αv Integrin expression by DCs is required for Th17 cell differentiation and development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice

Th17 cells are a distinct lineage of T helper cells that protect the body from bacterial and fungal infection. However, Th17 cells also contribute to inflammatory and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Th17 cell generation requires exposure of naive T cells to the cytokine TGF-beta in combination with proinflammatory cytokines. Here we show that differentiation of Th17 cells is also critically dependent on alpha v integrins. In mice, lack of integrin alpha v in the immune system resulted in loss of Th17 cells in the intestine and lymphoid tissues. It also led to protection from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Further analysis indicated that alpha v integrins on DCs activated latent TGF-beta during T cell stimulation and thereby promoted differentiation of Th17 cells. Furthermore, pharmacologic inhibition of alpha v integrins using cyclic RGD peptides blocked TGF-beta activation and Th17 cell generation in vitro and protected mice from EAE. These data demonstrate that activation of TGF-beta by alpha v-expressing myeloid cells may be a critical step in the generation of Th17 cells and suggest that alpha v integrins could be therapeutic targets in autoimmune disease.