IFNγ inhibits Th17 differentiation and function via Tbet-dependent and Tbet-independent mechanisms

Abstract

The transcription factor Tbet is critical for the differentiation of Th1 CD4 T cells and is associated with the induction of multiple autoimmune diseases, including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Herein, we demonstrate that Tbet suppresses IL-17A and Th17 differentiation both in vitro and in vivo in a cell-intrinsic manner, and that in fact, Tbet is not necessary for EAE induction. Moreover, we find that IFNγ inhibits the production of IL-17A and IL-17F in a STAT1-dependent, Tbet-independent manner. These findings illustrate multiple mechanisms utilized by developing Th1 cells to silence the Th17 program.

Keywords: CD4 T cell; Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; IFNγ; IL-17A; Tbet.