Hergen Spits

Hergen Spits co-discovered and classified the innate lymphoid cell (ILC) family into Groups 1, 2, and 3 based on transcription factor dependence and cytokine profiles, establishing the conceptual framework that transformed understanding of innate immune regulation in tissues and tumors. His identification of ILC2 cells and their role in type 2 immune responses revealed new players in the tumor microenvironment that can either promote or suppress anti-tumor immunity depending on context. His work on ILC developmental pathways from common innate lymphoid progenitors has informed strategies for manipulating ILC populations therapeutically.