Enhanced Chromatin Accessibility and Recruitment of JUNB Mediate the Sustained IL-4 Expression in NFAT1 Deficient T Helper 2 Cells
2011

How NFAT1 Affects IL-4 Expression in T Cells

Sample size: 4 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Son Jun-Seock, Chae Chang-Suk, Hwang Ji-Sun, Park Zee Yong, Im Sin-Hyeog

Primary Institution: Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

Hypothesis

The study investigates the role of NFAT1 in the regulation of IL-4 gene expression in T helper 2 cells from an epigenetic viewpoint.

Conclusion

NFAT1 deficiency leads to sustained IL-4 expression in T helper 2 cells due to enhanced chromatin accessibility and the recruitment of JUNB and SATB1 to the IL-4 promoter.

Supporting Evidence

  • NFAT1 deficient T helper 2 cells showed sustained IL-4 expression compared to wild type cells.
  • Enhanced chromatin accessibility was observed in the IL-4 promoter region of NFAT1 deficient cells.
  • JUNB and SATB1 were preferentially recruited to the IL-4 promoter in the absence of NFAT1.

Takeaway

When a specific protein called NFAT1 is missing in certain immune cells, those cells keep making a substance called IL-4 for a longer time than normal, which is important for fighting infections.

Methodology

The study involved stimulating T helper 2 cells from wild type and NFAT1 deficient mice with anti-CD3 and measuring IL-4 expression at mRNA and protein levels using quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA.

Participant Demographics

CD4+ T cells from wild type and NFAT1 deficient mice.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022042

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