NKp46+RORγt+ ILC3, which have protective functions30, were almost completely ablated in NEC mice compared to adult and dam-fed mice (Fig. 4a, b); moreover, this ILC3 subset was up to 78% reduced in 3 day-old dam-fed pups compared to 8–10 week-old adult mice (Fig. 4b). This evidence concerns the gene NCR1 and necrotizing enterocolitis.