Cutting Edge: Core Binding Factor ß Is Required for Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cell Activation.

ABSTRACT

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are tissue-resident, long-lived innate effector cells implicated in allergy and asthma. Upon activation, mature ILC2 rapidly secrete large amounts of type-2 cytokines and other effector molecules. The molecular pathways that drive ILC2 activation are not well understood. In this study, we report that the transcriptional controller core binding factor ß (CBFß) is required for ILC2 activation. Deletion or inhibition of CBFß did not impair the maintenance of ILC2 at homeostasis but abolished ILC2 activation during allergic airway inflammation. Treatment with CBFß inhibitors prevented ILC2-mediated airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of acute Alternaria allergen inhalation. CBFß promoted expression of key ILC2 genes at both transcriptional and translational levels. CBF transcriptional complex directly bound to Il13 and Vegfa promoters and enhancers, and controlled gene transcription. CBFß further promoted ribosome biogenesis and enhanced gene translation in activated ILC2. Together, these data establish an essential role for CBFß in ILC2 activation.