Loss of integrin αvβ8 on dendritic cells causes autoimmunity and colitis in mice

It is shown that mice deficient for β8 integrin develop colitis, and that β8 needs to be expressed by dendritic cells rather than T cells for colitis to develop. In addition, a decrease of T cells in the gut but not adjacent lymph nodes in diseased animals is shown. It is concluded that αVβ8-mediated integrin activation of dendritic cells is essential for prevention of colitis-inducing immune dysfunction.