Effects of 5-azacytidine on Th cell Differentiation and IFN-γ, IL-4, GATA3, ROR-γ, and Foxp3 Cytokine Expression in Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a commonly diagnosed disease worldwide, which seriously compromises people’s quality of life and health. The imbalance of T helper (Th) cell differentiation and dysregulation of related cytokine expression underlay the immunological basis of AR. 5-azacytidine (5-aza) is a pyrimidine nucleoside analogue that can inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors and improve the transcription ofanti-inflammatory factors. This study explored the effects of 5-aza on the differentiation of Th1/Th2 and Th17/ regulatory T cells (Treg) cell subsets and the expressions of related cytokines in AR. Objective: To investigate the effects of 5-aza on CD4+ T lymphocyte Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cell subsets and cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, GATA3, ROR-γ, and Foxp3 in AR patients and rats.Materials and methods: 98 normal controls and 88 AR patients were recruited for the isolation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. The mRNA expressions of IFN-γ, IL-4, GATA3, ROR-γ, and Foxp3 were detected by using RT-qPCR. A rat model of AR was established. The mRNA and protein expressions of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, GATA3, ROR-γ, and Foxp3 in AR rats were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. ELISA was used to detect the levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, GATA3, ROR-γ, and Foxp3 cytokines in the serum of rats. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the differentiation ratio of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cell subsets.Results: The mRNA expressions of IFN-γ, IL-4, GATA3, and ROR-γ were increased and Foxp3 was decreased in AR patients and AR rats. The protein expressions of IFN-γ, IL-4, GATA3, and ROR-γ were increased and Foxp3 was decreased in AR rats. 5-aza intervention decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of IFN-γ, IL-4, GATA3, and ROR-γ and increased the mRNA and protein expression of Foxp3 in AR rats. The number of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell subsets was increased and Treg was decreased in AR rats, while the number of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell subsets was decreased and Treg was increased significantly after 5-aza intervention.Conclusion: The number and relative expressions of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell subsets were increased in AR, while the Treg cell subset was decreased. Methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza downregulated the number of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell subsets and upregulated the Treg cell subset. The expressions of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, GATA3, ROR-γ, and Foxp3 were regulated by methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza.