Oxidative stress regulates IL-4 gene expression in mast cells through the reduction of histone deacetylase.

Objective: Many proinflammatory cytokines are regulated by the acetylation and deacetylation of the core histone. Since dysregulation of T helper 2 cytokine production is a key in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, we examined the role of histone deacetylase (HDAC) on interleukin (IL)-4 gene expression in mast cells. We also examined whether oxidative stress has any impact on HDAC activity.

Study Design: In vitro study.

Setting: Academic research laboratory.

Methods: An IgE-sensitized mast cell line (RBL-2H3 cells) was treated with varying concentrations of the HDAC inhibitors trichostatin A (TSA) and H2O2 and stimulated with antigens. The amount of IL-4 gene expression was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Quantitative measurement of IL-4 in the cell supernatant was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, HDAC activity was measured with the use of a nonisotopic assay that utilized an HDAC Fluorescent Activity Assay Kit.

Results: IL-4 mRNA expression was induced by antigens in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. Pretreatment with TSA and H2O2 enhanced IL-4 mRNA expression up to 5-fold in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, HDAC activity in RBL-2H3 cells was reduced after treatment with H2O2.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that oxidative stress may up-regulate IL-4 gene expression in mast cells via a decrease in HDAC activity.