NIK signaling axis regulates dendritic cell function in intestinal immunity and homeostasis

Dendritic cells (DCs) play an integral role in regulating mucosal immunity and homeostasis, but the signaling network mediating this function of DCs is poorly defined. We identified the noncanonical NF-κB inducing kinase (NIK) as a crucial mediator of mucosal DC function. DC-specific NIK deletion impaired intestinal IgA secretion and microbiota homeostasis, rendering mice sensitive to an intestinal pathogen, Citrobacter rodentium. DC-specific NIK was required for expression of the IgA transporter poly Ig receptor (pIgR) in intestinal epithelial cells, which in turn relied on the cytokine IL-17 produced by T(H)17 cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). NIK-activated noncanonical NF-κB induced expression of IL-23 in DCs, contributing to the maintenance of T(H)17 cells and type 3 ILCs. Consistent with the duel functions of IL-23 and IL-17 in mucosal immunity and inflammation, NIK deficiency also ameliorated colitis induction. Thus, our data suggest a pivotal role for the NIK signaling axis in regulating DC functions in intestinal immunity and homeostasis.