[HTML][HTML] αv Integrin expression by DCs is required for Th17 cell differentiation and development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice

M Acharya, S Mukhopadhyay… - The Journal of …, 2010 - Am Soc Clin Investig
M Acharya, S Mukhopadhyay, H Païdassi, T Jamil, C Chow, S Kissler, LM Stuart, RO Hynes…
The Journal of clinical investigation, 2010Am Soc Clin Investig
Th17 cells are a distinct lineage of T helper cells that protect the body from bacterial and
fungal infection. However, Th17 cells also contribute to inflammatory and autoimmune
disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Th17 cell generation requires exposure of naive T cells
to the cytokine TGF-β in combination with proinflammatory cytokines. Here we show that
differentiation of Th17 cells is also critically dependent on αv integrins. In mice, lack of
integrin αv in the immune system resulted in loss of Th17 cells in the intestine and lymphoid …
Th17 cells are a distinct lineage of T helper cells that protect the body from bacterial and fungal infection. However, Th17 cells also contribute to inflammatory and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Th17 cell generation requires exposure of naive T cells to the cytokine TGF-β in combination with proinflammatory cytokines. Here we show that differentiation of Th17 cells is also critically dependent on αv integrins. In mice, lack of integrin αv in the immune system resulted in loss of Th17 cells in the intestine and lymphoid tissues. It also led to protection from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Further analysis indicated that αv integrins on DCs activated latent TGF-β during T cell stimulation and thereby promoted differentiation of Th17 cells. Furthermore, pharmacologic inhibition of αv integrins using cyclic RGD peptides blocked TGF-β activation and Th17 cell generation in vitro and protected mice from EAE. These data demonstrate that activation of TGF-β by αv-expressing myeloid cells may be a critical step in the generation of Th17 cells and suggest that αv integrins could be therapeutic targets in autoimmune disease.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation