Bob1 enhances RORγt-mediated IL-17A expression in Th17 cells through interaction with RORγt

POU domain class 2-associating factor 1 (also called Bob1), which is mainly expressed in B cells, regulates B cell homeostasis and controls humoral immune responses. Although Bob1 is known to function reliably in T cell subsets including follicular helper T cells, Th1 cells and Th2 cells, it is unknown whether Bob1 functions in other T cell subsets. In this study, we found that Bob1 knock out (KO) mice are resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by MOG_35-55 peptide and that Bob1 KO T cells are defective in Th17 differentiation. Importantly, Bob1 interacts with retinoid acid receptor-related orphan receptor (ROR) gamma t (RORγt), a signature transcription factor for Th17 cells, through the ligand-binding domain of RORγt, thereby enhancing IL-17A transcription activity. IL-17A induction by Bob1 requires the ability for its formation of a DNA-Oct1-Bobl ternary complex. Thus, our findings demonstrate that Bob1 enhances IL-17A expression in vivo and in vitro by interacting with RORγt in Th17 cells, suggesting that Bob1 plays a pivotal role in Th17-mediated autoimmune disease.