FOXP3 and colitis: Interestingly, commensal microbe-derived butyrate has been shown to induce the differentiation of colonic Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells, which have a central role in the suppression of inflammatory and allergic responses.46 Mice fed a starch-rich butyrate-supplemented diet were more protected against the development of colitis compared with those fed a starch-rich diet without supplementation.