The Transcription Factor T-bet Regulates Intestinal Inflammation Mediated by Interleukin-7 Receptor+ Innate Lymphoid Cells

  • Nick Powell
  • , Alan w. Walker
  • , Emilie Stolarczyk
  • , James b. Canavan
  • , M. refik Gökmen
  • , Ellen Marks
  • , Ian Jackson
  • , Ahmed Hashim
  • , Michael a. Curtis
  • , Richard G. Jenner
  • , Jane k. Howard
  • , Julian Parkhill
  • , Thomas t. Macdonald
  • , Graham m. Lord

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Mice lacking the transcription factor T-bet in the innate immune system develop microbiota-dependent colitis. Here, we show that interleukin-17A (IL-17A)-producing IL-7Rα+ innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) were potent promoters of disease in Tbx21−/−Rag2−/− ulcerative colitis (TRUC) mice. TNF-α produced by CD103−CD11b+ dendritic cells synergized with IL-23 to drive IL-17A production by ILCs, demonstrating a previously unrecognized layer of cellular crosstalk between dendritic cells and ILCs. We have identified Helicobacter typhlonius as a key disease trigger driving excess TNF-α production and promoting colitis in TRUC mice. Crucially, T-bet also suppressed the expression of IL-7R, a key molecule involved in controlling intestinal ILC homeostasis. The importance of IL-7R signaling in TRUC disease was highlighted by the dramatic reduction in intestinal ILCs and attenuated colitis following IL-7R blockade. Taken together, these data demonstrate the mechanism by which T-bet regulates the complex interplay between mucosal dendritic cells, ILCs, and the intestinal microbiota.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)674-684
JournalImmunity
Volume37
Issue number4
Early online date11 Oct 2012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Oct 2012

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