The chromatin assembly factor CHAF1b functions as an epigenetic amplifier of RORγt to promote Th17 pathogenicity and autoimmunity

Here, we identify CHAF1b, a core subunit of the chromatin assembly factor CAF-1 complex, as an essential epigenetic amplifier of RORgt-driven transcription in Th17 cells. CHAF1b expression is selectively induced during Th17 differentiation and elevated in inflamed tissues from mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and colitis.

Th17-specific deletion of Chaf1b markedly reduces IL-17A/F expression, alleviates neuroinflammation and colonic pathology, and reprograms the Th17 effector transcriptome without affecting lineage commitment. Mechanistically, CHAF1b physically associates with RORgt and co-occupies enhancer regions at the Il17a–Il17f locus, promoting chromatin accessibility and enhancer activation. Multi-omics analyses reveal that CHAF1b reinforces RORgt-driven enhancer–promoter interactions and maintains a proinflammatory Th17 epigenome.