The differentiation and maintenance of RORγt+ Tregs respectively require integrin αvβ8 expression by dendritic cells and commensal microbiota

Abstract

The generation of RORγt+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), which regulate type 2 immune respond, is dependent on dendritic cells and microbiota, but mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that the differentiation of RORγt+ Tregs was critically dependented on integrin αvβ8 expressed in DCs. In mice, lack of αvβ8 in DCs resulted in loss of RORγt+ Tregs in the small intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes. Moreover, we also report that the maintenance of RORγt+ Tregs needs the existence of commensal bacteria but not DCs in small intestine. The percentage and the proliferation of RORγt+ Tregs were decreased after treated with antibiotic while these were unaffected by the absence of DCs in a short time. These date demonstrate that αvβ8 expressed in small intestinal DCs play a critical role in the induction of RORγt+ Tregs and microbiota act as a key factor on maintenance of RORγt+ Tregs, respectively. Our results may help to explain the mechanisms of oral tolerance via αvβ8 in DCs and commensal microbiota regulate the generation of RORγt+ Tregs to suppress type 2 immune respond.