Nrf2 regulates CD41 T cell–induced acute graft-versus-host disease in mice

Jennifer J. Tsai, Enrico Velardi, Yusuke Shono, Kimon V. Argyropoulos, Amanda M. Holland, Odette M. Smith, Nury L. Yim, Uttam K. Rao, Fabiana M. Kreines, Sophie R. Lieberman, Lauren F. Young, Amina Lazrak, Salma Youssef, Ya Yuan Fu, Chen Liu, Cecilia Lezcano, George F. Murphy, Il Kang Na, Robert R. Jenq, Alan M. HanashJarrod A. Dudakov, Marcel R.M. Van Den Brink

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that is well known for its role in regulating the cellular redox pathway. Although there is mounting evidence suggesting a critical role for Nrf2 in hematopoietic stem cells and innate leukocytes, little is known about its involvement in T-cell biology. In this study, we identified a novel role for Nrf2 in regulating alloreactive T-cell function during allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). We observed increased expression and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 upon T-cell activation in vitro, especially in CD41 donor T cells after allo-HCT. Allo-HCT recipients of Nrf22/2 donor T cells had significantly less acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-induced mortality, morbidity, and pathology. This reduction in GVHD was associated with the persistence of Helios1 donor regulatory T cells in the allograft, as well as defective upregulation of the gut-homing receptor LPAM-1 on alloreactive CD81 T cells. Additionally, Nrf22/2 donor CD81 T cells demonstrated intact cytotoxicity against allogeneic target cells. Tumor-bearing allo-HCT recipients of Nrf22/2 donor T cells had overall improved survival as a result of preserved graft-versus-tumor activity and reduced GVHD activity. Our findings characterized a previously unrecognized role for Nrf2 in T-cell function, as well as revealed a novel therapeutic target to improve the outcomes of allo-HCT.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2763-2774
Number of pages12
JournalBlood
Volume132
Issue number26
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 27 2018
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Hematology
  • Cell Biology

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