The nuclear receptor REV-ERB[alpha] modulates Th17 cell-mediated autoimmune disease

T helper 17 (Th17) cells produce interleukin-17 (IL-17) cytokines and drive inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The differentiation of Th17 cells is dependent on the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor ROR[gamma]t. Here, we identify REV-ERB[alpha] (encoded by Nr1d1), a member of the nuclear hormone receptor family, as a transcriptional repressor that antagonizes ROR[gamma]t function in Th17 cells. REV-ERB[alpha] binds to ROR response elements (RORE) in Th17 cells and inhibits the expression of ROR[gamma]t-dependent genes including Il17a and Il17f. Furthermore, elevated REV-ERB[alpha] expression or treatment with a synthetic REV-ERB agonist significantly delays the onset and impedes the progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). These results suggest that modulating REV-ERB[alpha] activity may be used to manipulate Th17 cells in autoimmune diseases. transcriptional repressor | autoimmunity | nuclear receptors