Assessing lineage and cytolytic functional potential of murine tissue-resident innate lymphocytes

Abstract

Summary: Group 1 innate lymphocytes are heterogeneous, and their ontogeny and function remain ambiguous. Here, we describe a protocol to measure cell ontogeny and effector functions of natural killer (NK) and ILC1 subsets based on current understanding of their differentiation pathways. We use cre drivers to genetically fate-map cells, tracking plasticity between mature NK and ILC1. We describe innate lymphoid cell precursor transfer studies that determine ontogeny of granzyme-C-expressing ILC1. Additionally, we detail in vitro killing assays that test cytolytic potential of ILC1s.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Nixon et al. (2022).1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Cell Isolation
• Cell-based Assays
• Flow Cytometry/Mass Cytometry
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Model Organisms