PPARγ plays a significant role in the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) by DC and can mediate enhanced conversion via secretion of retinoic acid.

CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs are critical regulators of immune responses and autoimmune diseases. nTregs are thymically derived; iTregs are converted in the periphery from CD4+ CD25– Foxp3– Teffs. Recent studies reported that GALT CD103+ DCs mediated enhanced iTreg conversion via the secretion of RA. However, the factors regulating RA secretion and hence, the induction of iTregs by DCs are not yet clear. Activation of the nuclear hormone receptor PPARγ has been shown to induce RA expression in human DCs, and thus, we postulated that PPARγ activation in DCs may be an important regulator of RA secretion and iTreg generation. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we now demonstrate that PPARγ activation enhances iTreg generation through increased RA synthesis from murine splenic DCs. In addition, we demonstrate that inhibition of DC PPARγ decreases iTreg generation, suggesting a role for endogenous PPARγ ligands in this process. Overall, our findings suggest that PPARγ may be important as a factor that stimulates DCs to produce RA and as a potential mechanism by which PPARγ ligands ameliorate autoimmunity.