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IL-23 is a key driver of pathogenic Th17 cell responses. It has been suggested that the transcription factor T-bet is required to facilitate IL-23-driven pathogenic effector functions; however, the precise role of T-bet in intestinal T cell responses remains elusive. Here, we show that T-bet expression by T cells is not required for the induction of colitis or the differentiation of pathogenic Th17 cells but modifies qualitative features of the IL-23-driven colitogenic response by negatively regulating IL-23R expression. Consequently, absence of T-bet leads to unrestrained Th17 cell differentiation and activation characterized by high amounts of IL-17A and IL-22. The combined increase in IL-17A/IL-22 results in enhanced epithelial cell activation and inhibition of either IL-17A or IL-22 leads to disease amelioration. Our study identifies T-bet as a key modulator of IL-23-driven colitogenic responses in the intestine and has important implications for understanding of heterogeneity among inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/ncomms11627

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat commun

Publication Date

19/05/2016

Volume

7

Keywords

Animals, CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Colitis, Disease Models, Animal, Female, Interleukin-17, Interleukin-23, Interleukins, Intestines, Male, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3, Receptors, Interleukin, T-Box Domain Proteins