Restoration of Foxp31 regulatory T cells by HDAC-dependent epigenetic modulation plays a pivotal role in resolving pulmonary arterial hypertension pathology
File(s)2. HDAC Supplement AJRCCM Sep2023.pdf (10.56 MB) 1. HDAC Manuscript AJRCCM Sep2023.pdf (15.15 MB)
Supporting information
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Rationale: Immune dysregulation is a common feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Histone deacetylase (HDAC)-dependent transcriptional reprogramming epigenetically modulates immune homeostasis and is a novel disease-oriented approach in modern times. Objectives: To identify a novel functional link between HDAC and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in PAH, aiming to establish disease-modified biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from idiopathic PAH (IPAH) patients and rodent models of pulmonary hypertension (PH): monocrotaline (MCT), Sugen5416-hypoxia (SuHx) rats and Treg-depleted mice. HDAC inhibitor Vorinostat (SAHA) was used to examine the immune modulatory effects in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro. Measurements and Main Results: Increased HDAC expression was associated with reduced Foxp3+ Tregs and increased programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) signalling in PBMCs from IPAH patients. SAHA differentially modified a cluster of epigenetic-sensitive genes and induced Foxp3+ Treg conversion in IPAH T cells. Rodent models recapitulated these epigenetic aberrations and T cell dysfunction. SAHA attenuated PH phenotypes and restored FOXP3 transcription and Tregs in PH rats; interestingly, the effects were more profound in female rats. Selective depletion of CD25+ Tregs in SuHx mice neutralized the effects of SAHA. Furthermore, SAHA inhibited endothelial cytokine/chemokine release upon stimulation and subsequent immune chemotaxis. Conclusions: Our results indicated HDAC aberration was associated with Foxp3+ Treg deficiency and demonstrated an epigenetic-mediated mechanism underlying immune dysfunction in PAH. Restoration of Foxp3+ Tregs by HDACi is a promising approach to resolve PH pathology, highlighting the potential benefit of developing "epigenetic therapies” for PAH.
Date Issued
2023-10-15
Date Acceptance
2023-09-06
Citation
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2023, 208 (8), pp.879-895
ISSN
1073-449X
Publisher
American Thoracic Society
Start Page
879
End Page
895
Journal / Book Title
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Volume
208
Issue
8
Copyright Statement
Copyright Originally Published in: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2023 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202301-0181OC Copyright © 2023 by the American Thoracic Society The final publication is available at https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/rccm.202301-0181OC
Identifier
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/rccm.202301-0181OC
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2023-09-06