The emerging role of group 3 innate lymphoid cells in the neonate: interaction with the maternal and neonatal microbiome

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are critical for host defense and are notably important in the context of the newborn when adaptive immunity is immature. There is an increasing evidence that development and function of group 3 ILCs (ILC3) can be modulated by the maternal and neonatal microbiome and is involved in neonatal disease pathogenesis. In this review, we explore the evidence that supports a critical role for ILC3 in resistance to infection and disease pathogenesis in the newborn, with a focus on microbial factors that modulate ILC3 function. We then briefly explore opportunities for research that are focused on the fetus and newborn.