IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-The immune cellular network defined by RORyt

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Video Summary

Dan Lippman reviewed more than 20 years of work on RORγt, a nuclear receptor best known for its role in Th17 cells. He explained how RORγt was found to be essential for thymocyte survival, lymphoid organ development, and the formation of lymphoid tissue inducer cells. His lab then linked RORγt to IL-17 production and autoimmune disease, showing that RORγt-deficient mice had fewer Th17 cells and were resistant to EAE.<br /><br />He also discussed efforts to inhibit RORγt with digoxin-derived compounds, which reduced IL-17 without affecting IFN-γ, though these approaches have not yet been clinically useful.<br /><br />A major theme was the microbiota: segmented filamentous bacteria induce homeostatic Th17 cells, while Helicobacter and other pathobionts can drive regulatory T cells or pathogenic Th17 cells depending on context. This work helped explain how gut microbes influence autoimmunity and cancer immunotherapy. In tumors, commensal-specific Th17 cells can switch to a Th1-like, IFN-γ-producing state that supports anti-PD-1 responses.<br /><br />In the later part of the talk, Lippman described a new RORγt-positive antigen-presenting cell that promotes peripheral Treg differentiation and oral tolerance. These cells appear distinct from classical dendritic cells and may be crucial for preventing allergy and inflammation.

Meta Tag

Date April 18, 2026 9:12 AM - 9:43 AM

Room Ballroom

Session Major Symposium F: 20 Years of Th17 Cells: Discovery and Clinical Impact

Speaker Dan Littman

Track Lymphocyte Differentiation and Peripheral Maintenance (LYM)

Year 2026

Keywords

RORγt

Th17 cells

IL-17

autoimmune disease

microbiota

cancer immunotherapy

regulatory T cells

April 18, 2026 9:12 AM - 9:43 AM

Ballroom

Major Symposium F: 20 Years of Th17 Cells: Discovery and Clinical Impact

Dan Littman

Lymphocyte Differentiation and Peripheral Maintenance (LYM)

2026