Blockade of NKp46⁻ CCR6⁻ ILC3 autophagy protects against necrotizing enterocolitis by restoring energy metabolism balance in mice

May 19, 2026Nature communications

Blocking a specific immune cell process protects mice from severe intestinal disease by restoring energy balance

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Abstract

In neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), NKp46⁻CCR6⁻ ILC3s are identified as the dominant pathogenic subset that drives disease through IL-17 A secretion.

  • IL-17 A secreted by DN ILC3s disrupts intestinal barrier integrity, contributing to NEC.
  • Atg5 activation of autophagy in DN ILC3s is crucial during the development of NEC.
  • Conditional knockout of Atg5 in RORγt⁺ cells reduces DN ILC3 accumulation and IL-17 A production, mitigating NEC.
  • Atg5 deficiency leads to decreased HIF-1α activity and shifts DN ILC3 metabolism from glycolysis to fatty acid oxidation.
  • Phosphatidylcholine, a metabolite resulting from Atg5-mediated autophagy, suppresses DN ILC3-driven inflammation and restores metabolic balance.
  • Human NEC tissues show increased proportions of ILC3s, autophagic activity, and secretion of IL-17 A/IL-22.

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