Thymic self-reactivity selects natural interleukin 17-producing T cells that can regulate peripheral inflammation

Abstract

Interleukin 17 (IL-17)-producing CD4 + T (T H -17) cells share a developmental relationship with FoxP3 + regulatory T (T reg ) cells.Here we show that a T H -17 population differentiates within the thymus in a manner influenced by self-antigen recognition, and by the cytokines IL-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β.Like previously described T H -17 cells, T H -17 cells that develop in the thymus expressed the orphan nuclear receptor RORγt and the IL-23 receptor.These cells also expressed α4β1 integrins and the chemokine receptor CCR6, and were recruited to the lung, gut, and liver.In the liver these cells secreted IL-22 in response to self-antigen and mediated host protection during inflammation.Thus, T H -17 cells, like T reg cells, can be selected by selfantigens in the thymus.Users may view, print, copy, download and text and data-mine the content in such documents, for the purposes of academic research, subject always to the full Conditions of use: http://www.nature.com

Part of CIRS Nexus · Curated by Lauren Lowenstein, The Biotoxin Lady

Key Biomarkers