Acute SIV Infection Induces Hypercytotoxicity and Massive Numerical Loss of Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Background: Studies from our lab and others have identified a novel NK cell-like population restricted to mucosal tissues and distinguishable from classical NK cells by high expression of NKp44 and ROR gamma t. So-called innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play a key role in mucosal defense and homeostasis, but are depleted from colorectum during chronic SIV infection. However, nothing is known about the kinetics of ILC loss, or if it occurs systemically.