Open AccessRUNX inhibitor suppresses graft‐versus‐host disease through targeting RUNX‐NFATC2 axis
Author(s) -
Kubota Hirohito,
Masuda Tatsuya,
Noura Mina,
Furuichi Kana,
Matsuo Hidemasa,
Hirata Masahiro,
Kataoka Tatsuki R.,
Hiramatsu Hidefumi,
Yasumi Takahiro,
Nakahata Tatsutoshi,
Imai Yoichi,
Takita Junko,
Adachi Souichi,
Sugiyama Hiroshi,
Kamikubo Yasuhiko
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
ejhaem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2688-6146
DOI - 10.1002/jha2.230
Subject(s) - transcription factor , cancer research , biology , t cell , immunology , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , immune system , genetics
Patients with refractory graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) have a dismal prognosis. Therefore, novel therapeutic targets are still needed to be identified. Runt‐related transcriptional factor (RUNX) family transcription factors are essential transcription factors that mediate the essential roles in effector T cells. However, whether RUNX targeting can suppress, and GVHD is yet unknown. Here, we showed that RUNX family members have a redundant role in directly transactivating NFATC2 expression in T cells. We also found that our novel RUNX inhibitor, Chb‐M’, which is the inhibitor that switches off the entire RUNX family by alkylating agent–conjugated pyrrole‐imidazole (PI) polyamides, inhibited T‐cell receptor mediated T cell proliferation and allogenic T cell response. These were designed to specifically bind to consensus RUNX‐binding sequences (TGTGGT). Chb‐M’ also suppressed the expression of NFATC2 and pro‐inflammatory cytokine genes in vitro. Using xenogeneic GVHD model, mice injected by Chb‐M’ showed almost no sign of GVHD. Especially, the CD4 T cell was decreased and GVHD‐associated cytokines including tissue necrosis factor‐α and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor were reduced in the peripheral blood of Chb‐M’ injected mice. Taken together, our data demonstrates that RUNX family transcriptionally upregulates NFATC2 in T cells, and RUNX‐NFATC2 axis can be a novel therapeutic target against GVHD.