Recent evidence suggests that IL-17 contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR); however, the mechanisms that suppress the production of this cytokine remain poorly defined.

We sought to identify the regulatory cells and molecules that suppress IL-17–dependent allergic airways disease.

Mice were sensitized by means of airway instillations of ovalbumin together with low levels of LPS. Leukocyte recruitment to the lung and AHR were assessed after daily challenges with aerosolized ovalbumin. Flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, and gene-targeted mice were used to identify naturally arising subsets of regulatory T (Treg) cells and their cytokines required for the suppression of established allergic airway disease.

Allergic sensitization through the airway primed both effector and regulatory responses. Effector responses were initially dominant and led to airway inflammation and IL-17–dependent AHR. However, after multiple daily allergen challenges, IL-17 production and AHR decreased, even though pulmonary levels of T_H17 cells remained high. This loss of AHR was reversible and required the expansion of a Treg cell subset expressing both forkhead box protein 3 and inducible costimulator. These Treg cells also expressed the regulatory cytokines IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-35. Whereas IL-10 and TGF-β were dispensable for suppression of AHR, IL-35 was required.

IL-35 production by inducible costimulator–positive Treg cells can suppress IL-17 production and thereby reverse established, IL-17–dependent AHR in mice. Targeting this pathway might therefore be of therapeutic value for treating allergic asthma in human subjects.