Transforming growth factor receptor III (Betaglycan) regulates the generation of pathogenic Th17 cells in EAE.

The transforming growth factor receptor III (TβRIII) is commonly recognized as a co-receptor that promotes the binding of TGFβ family ligands to type I and type II receptors. Within the immune system, TβRIII regulates T cell development in the thymus and is differentially expressed through activation; however, its function in mature T cells is unclear. To begin addressing this question, we developed a conditional knock-out mouse with restricted TβRIII deletion in mature T cells, necessary because genomic deletion of TβRIII results in perinatal mortality.