T cell-specific notch inhibition blocks graft-versus-host disease by inducing a hyporesponsive program in alloreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells

J Immunol. 2013 Jun 1;190(11):5818-28. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203452. Epub 2013 May 1.

Abstract

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) induced by donor-derived T cells remains the major limitation of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT). We previously reported that the pan-Notch inhibitor dominant-negative form of Mastermind-like 1 (DNMAML) markedly decreased the severity and mortality of acute GVHD mediated by CD4(+) T cells in mice. To elucidate the mechanisms of Notch action in GVHD and its role in CD8(+) T cells, we studied the effects of Notch inhibition in alloreactive CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells using mouse models of allo-BMT. DNMAML blocked GVHD induced by either CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells. Both CD4(+) and CD8(+) Notch-deprived T cells had preserved expansion in lymphoid organs of recipients, but profoundly decreased IFN-γ production despite normal T-bet and enhanced Eomesodermin expression. Alloreactive DNMAML T cells exhibited decreased Ras/MAPK and NF-κB activity upon ex vivo restimulation through the TCR. In addition, alloreactive T cells primed in the absence of Notch signaling had increased expression of several negative regulators of T cell activation, including Dgka, Cblb, and Pdcd1. DNMAML expression had modest effects on in vivo proliferation but preserved overall alloreactive T cell expansion while enhancing accumulation of pre-existing natural regulatory T cells. Overall, DNMAML T cells acquired a hyporesponsive phenotype that blocked cytokine production but maintained their expansion in irradiated allo-BMT recipients, as well as their in vivo and ex vivo cytotoxic potential. Our results reveal parallel roles for Notch signaling in alloreactive CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells that differ from past reports of Notch action and highlight the therapeutic potential of Notch inhibition in GVHD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Graft vs Host Disease / genetics
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / metabolism
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / metabolism
  • Receptors, Notch / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Notch / metabolism
  • T-Box Domain Proteins / genetics
  • T-Box Domain Proteins / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • Receptors, Notch
  • T-Box Domain Proteins
  • T-box transcription factor TBX21
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)