IL‐7 induces type 2 cytokine response in lung ILC2s and regulates GATA3 and CD25 expression

Interleukin‐7 is a cytokine with well‐established roles in lymphocyte development and more recently, an expanded role in immune function. IL‐7Rα is highly expressed by innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), but how IL‐7 directs the development or function of ILCs is not well studied. Using mice with inducible deletion of IL‐7Rα, we showed that loss of IL‐7 signaling led to impaired production of IL‐5, IL‐13 and amphiregulin in lung ST2(+) group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) following influenza/A infection. Conversely, mice treated with IL‐7 increased production of IL‐5 and IL‐13 by lung ILC2s. Moreover, we showed that IL‐7 enhanced GATA3 and CD25 expression in ILC2s and loss of IL‐7 signaling led to their reduced expression. Altogether, this study demonstrates that IL‐7 regulates the function of ILC2s during airway viral infection and induces GATA3 and CD25 expression.