Ndfip1 restricts Th17 cell potency by limiting lineage stability and proinflammatory cytokine production

Sci Rep. 2017 Jan 4:7:39649. doi: 10.1038/srep39649.

Abstract

While Th17 cells can protect against colonization by pathogenic organisms, they also have the potential to become pathogenic and promote autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Mechanisms that control their pathogenic potential remain poorly understood. Here we show that Ndfip1, a co-activator of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch, restricts the frequency and pathogenicity of Th17 cells. Mice lacking Ndfip1 have increased numbers of Th17 cells, and this increase is cell intrinsic. We found that Ndfip1 restricts production of the proinflammatory cytokines in Th17 cells. Increased cytokine production correlated with reduced degradation and accumulation of RORγT. When transferred in vivo, Th17 cells lacking Ndfip1 were more likely to maintain their ability to make IL-17, were more potent proinflammatory cytokine producers, and were powerful inducers of colitis. Together our data support an essential role for Ndfip1 in degrading RORγT and suppressing Th17 lineage stability, proinflammatory cytokine production, and pathogenicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / immunology*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage*
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • Female
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Inflammation Mediators / immunology
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / immunology*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3 / immunology
  • Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3 / metabolism
  • Th17 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Ndfip1 protein, mouse
  • Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3