Distinct RORγt-dependent Th17 immune responses are required for autoimmune pathogenesis and protection against bacterial infection.

Abstract

T helper (Th)17 cells mediate both protective anti-bacterial immune responses and autoimmune pathogenesis, but the distinct pathways regulating these Th17 responses remain unclear. Retinoid-related orphan receptor γ t (RORγt) is a master transcription factor that governs Th17 cell generation and effector functions. We found that a K256R mutation in RORγt impairs Th17-mediated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) without affecting the clearance of Citrobacter rodentium. This indicates distinct RORγt roles in central nervous system pathogenesis versus gut-associated protective Th17 responses. Mechanically, RORγt/Runx1-dependent upregulation of galectin-3 (Lgals3) and chemokine receptor Ccr6 in CD4⁺ T cells is essential for EAE development but not for bacterial clearance. Moreover, Lgals3 is selectively required for recruiting macrophages to produce interleukin (IL)-1β, which in turn promotes Ccr6 expression on CD4⁺ T cells during EAE pathogenesis. Our findings highlight different RORγt-regulated Th17 pathways in autoimmunity and anti-bacterial immunity, with implications for therapies targeting Th17-mediated autoimmunity while preserving effective anti-bacterial responses.