CD8 T Cell-specific Downregulation of Histone Hyperacetylation and Gene Activation of the IL-4 Gene Locus by ROG, Repressor of GATA

Chromatin remodeling of type 2 cytokine gene loci occurs during differentiation of naive CD4 and CD8 T cells into type 2 helper (Th2) and cytotoxic (Tc2) T cells. IL-4 production and histone hyperacetylation in IL-4-associated nucleosomes in developing Tc2 cells were significantly lower than those of Th2 cells; however, cytokine production and histone hyperacetylation of IL-5 and IL-13 genes were equivalent. Developing Tc2 cells expressed lower GATA3 levels and dramatically increased levels of repressor of GATA (ROG). A ROG response element in the IL-13 gene exon 4 displayed Tc2-specific binding of ROG, HDAC1, and HDAC2 and exhibited repression of IL-4 gene activation. Thus, ROG may confer CD8 T cell-specific repression of histone hyperacetylation and activation of the IL-4 gene locus.