In summary, we have highlighted an important cellular and molecular pathway by which the DC expressed TGFβ-activating integrin αvβ8, maintains intestinal Tregs and drives the induction of Th17 cells late during infection with the small intestinal helminth T. spiralis. Tregs are essential for mediating infection induced weight loss, while the resulting Th17 produced IL-17 mediates the contraction of jejunal muscle via ROCK signalling aiding the “weep and sweep” mechanism of helminth expulsion. The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is infection.