The nuclear receptor REV-ERBa modulates Th17 cell differentiation and function by competing with RORgt

T helper 17 (Th17) cells produce interleukin-17 (IL-17) cytokines and drive inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The differentiation of Th17 cells is dependent on the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor RORgt. Here we identify REV-ERBa (encoded by Nr1d1), a member of the nuclear hormone receptor family (NHR), as a transcriptional repressor that antagonizes RORgt function in Th17 cells. REV-ERBa binds to ROR response elements (RORE) in Th17 cells and inhibits the expression of RORgt-dependent genes such as Il17a and Il17f. Furthermore, elevated REV-ERBa expression or treatment with a synthetic REV-ERB agonist significantly delays the onset and impedes the progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a Th17 cell-mediated autoimmune disease. These results suggest that modulating REV-ERB activity may hold therapeutic potential for treatment of Th17 cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. Overall design: Identification of REVERBalpha binding sites in mouse Th17 cells.