Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are immune cells that lack a specific antigen receptor yet can
produce an array of effector cytokines that in variety match that of T helper cell subsets. ILCs
function in lymphoid organogenesis, tissue remodeling, antimicrobial immunity, and
inflammation, particularly at barrier surfaces. Their ability to promptly respond to insults
inflicted by stress-causing microbes strongly suggests that ILCs are critical in first-line
immunological defenses. Here, we review current data on developmental requirements …