BATF2 inhibits immunopathological Th17 responses by suppressing Il23a expression during Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Inappropriate IL-17 responses are implicated in chronic tissue inflammation. IL-23 contributes to Trypanosoma cruzi-specific IL-17 production, but the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of the IL-23-IL-17 axis during T. cruzi infection are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate a novel function of BATF2 as a negative regulator of Il23a in innate immune cells. IL-17, but not IFN-gamma, was more highly produced by CD4(+) T cells from spleens and livers of T. cruzi-infected Batf2(-/-) mice than by those of wild-type mice. In this context, Batf2(-/-) mice showed severe multiorgan pathology despite reduced parasite burden. T. cruzi-induced IL-23 production was increased in Batf2(-/-) innate immune cells. The T. cruzi-induced enhanced Th17 response was abrogated in Batf2(-/-) Il23a(-/-) mice. The interaction of BATF2 with c-JUN prevented c-JUN-ATF-2 complex formation, inhibiting Il23a expression. These results demonstrate that IFN-gamma-inducible BATF2 in innate immune cells controls Th17-mediated immunopathology by suppressing IL-23 production during T. cruzi infection.