Invariant NKT Cells Inhibit Development of the Th17 Lineage

T cells differentiate into functionally distinct effector subsets in response to pathogen encounter. Cells of the innate immune system direct this process; CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, for example, can either promote or inhibit Th(1) and Th(2) responses. Recently, a new subset of CD4(+) T helper cells, called Th(17), was identified that is implicated in mucosal immunity and autoimmune disorders. To investigate the influence of iNKT cells on the differentiation of naïve T cells we used an adoptive transfer model of traceable antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells. Transferred naïve CD25(-)CD62L(+) CD4(+) T cells were primed by antigen immunization of the recipient mice, permitting their expansion and Th(17) differentiation. This study establishes that in vivo activation of iNKT cells during T-cell priming impedes the commitment of naïve T cells to the Th(17) lineage. In vivo cytokine neutralization experiments revealed a role for IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-gamma in the iNKT-cell-mediated regulation of T-cell lineage development. Moreover, by comparing IL-17 production by antigen-experienced T cells from unmanipulated wild-type mice and iNKT-cell-deficient mice, we demonstrate an enhanced Th(17) response in mice lacking iNKT cells. This invigorated Th(17) response reverts to physiological levels when iNKT cells are introduced into Jalpha18(-/-) mice by adoptive transfer, indicating that iNKT cells control the Th(17) compartment at steady state. We conclude that iNKT cells play an important role in limiting development of the Th(17) lineage and suggest that iNKT cells provide a natural barrier against Th(17) responses.