T cell-intrinsic role for Nod2 in protection against Th17-mediated uveitis

Nat Commun. 2020 Oct 26;11(1):5406. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-18961-0.

Abstract

Mutations in nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) cause Blau syndrome, an inflammatory disorder characterized by uveitis. The antimicrobial functions of Nod2 are well-established, yet the cellular mechanisms by which dysregulated Nod2 causes uveitis remain unknown. Here, we report a non-conventional, T cell-intrinsic function for Nod2 in suppression of Th17 immunity and experimental uveitis. Reconstitution of lymphopenic hosts with Nod2-/- CD4+ T cells or retina-specific autoreactive CD4+ T cells lacking Nod2 reveals a T cell-autonomous, Rip2-independent mechanism for Nod2 in uveitis. In naive animals, Nod2 operates downstream of TCR ligation to suppress activation of memory CD4+ T cells that associate with an autoreactive-like profile involving IL-17 and Ccr7. Interestingly, CD4+ T cells from two Blau syndrome patients show elevated IL-17 and increased CCR7. Our data define Nod2 as a T cell-intrinsic rheostat of Th17 immunity, and open new avenues for T cell-based therapies for Nod2-associated disorders such as Blau syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis / genetics
  • Arthritis / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17 / genetics
  • Interleukin-17 / immunology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein / genetics
  • Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein / immunology*
  • Receptors, CCR7 / genetics
  • Receptors, CCR7 / immunology
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Synovitis / genetics
  • Synovitis / immunology
  • Th17 Cells / immunology*
  • Uveitis / genetics
  • Uveitis / immunology*
  • Uveitis / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Ccr7 protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-17
  • Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein
  • Nod2 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, CCR7

Supplementary concepts

  • Blau syndrome