# LKB1 regulates ILC3 postnatal development and effector function through metabolic programming

## TL;DR

This study shows that LKB1 is crucial for the development and function of ILC3 cells in the gut, which helps maintain intestinal immunity and metabolism.

## Contribution

The study reveals LKB1's role in ILC3 development and metabolism, linking metabolic regulation to intestinal immune homeostasis.

## Key findings

- LKB1 deficiency reduces ILC3 numbers and IL-22 production in mice.
- LKB1-deficient ILC3s show impaired metabolism and less protection against Citrobacter rodentium infection.
- LKB1 is essential for maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis through metabolic programming.

## Abstract

Group 3 Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC3s) are important for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and host defense. Emerging studies have shown that metabolic regulation plays a crucial role in regulating ILC3 activation and function. However, the role of Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1), a key metabolic regulator, in regulating ILC3 function and intestinal immunity remains poorly understood.

To investigate the role of LKB1 in intestinal ILC3s, we generated LKB1 conditional knockout mice by crossing Rorc
cre and Stk11
flox/flox mice. Cell number and cytokine production was examined using flow cytometry. Citrobacter rodentium infection model were used to determine the role of LKB1 in intestinal defense. RT-qPCR, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the intestinal inflammatory responses.

In this study, we show that LKB1 is essential for ILC3 postnatal development, effector function, and intestinal immunity. LKB1-deficient mice exhibit a marked decrease in ILC3 number at 2 -3 weeks after birth. Ablation of LKB1 in ILC3s results in diminished IL-22 production and less protection against Citrobacter rodentium infection. Moreover, LKB1 deficiency leads to impaired cell metabolism, as indicated by reduced glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation and less mitochondrial mass. Together, our data demonstrate that LKB1 promotes ILC3 postnatal development and effector function to maintain intestinal immune homeostasis.

Our findings reveal that LKB1 is a key regulator of intestinal ILC3 development, function, and metabolism, thereby linking metabolic control to intestinal immune homeostasis and offering potential therapeutic implications.