Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma thymus (RORγt)

RORγt is a thymus-specific isoform of the nuclear receptor RORγ, encoded by the *RORC* gene. It is a ligand-dependent transcription factor and a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. RORγt acts as a master regulator for the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells. These Th17 cells are characterized by their production of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), which plays key roles in host defense against extracellular pathogens but also contributes to autoimmune pathology when dysregulated. RORγt is primarily expressed in immune cells—most notably T helper 17 (Th17) cells and innate lymphoid cell type 3 (ILC3s).

Other names

RORC (isoform t)

Modulates transcription of genes involved in Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17 production. Agonists increase activity, while inverse agonists/antagonists decrease activity, often by disrupting coactivator recruitment.