Systemic activation of NRF2 alleviates lethal autoimmune inflammation in scurfy mice

T Suzuki, S Murakami, SS Biswal… - … and cellular biology, 2017 - Taylor & Francis
T Suzuki, S Murakami, SS Biswal, S Sakaguchi, H Harigae, M Yamamoto, H Motohashi
Molecular and cellular biology, 2017Taylor & Francis
The transcription factor NRF2 (nuclear factor [erythroid-derived 2]-like 2) plays crucial roles
in the defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and mediates anti-inflammatory actions
under various pathological conditions. Recent studies showed that the dysfunction of
regulatory T cells (Tregs) is directly linked to the initiation and progression of various
autoimmune diseases. To determine the Treg-independent impact of NRF2 activation on
autoimmune inflammation, we examined scurfy (Sf) mice, which are deficient in Tregs and …
Abstract
The transcription factor NRF2 (nuclear factor [erythroid-derived 2]-like 2) plays crucial roles in the defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and mediates anti-inflammatory actions under various pathological conditions. Recent studies showed that the dysfunction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is directly linked to the initiation and progression of various autoimmune diseases. To determine the Treg-independent impact of NRF2 activation on autoimmune inflammation, we examined scurfy (Sf) mice, which are deficient in Tregs and succumb to severe multiorgan inflammation by 4 weeks of age. We found that systemic activation of NRF2 by Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) knockdown ameliorated tissue inflammation and lethality in Sf mice. Activated T cells and their cytokine production were accordingly decreased by Keap1 knockdown. In contrast, NRF2 activation through cell lineage-specific Keap1 disruption (i.e., in T cells, myeloid cells, and dendritic cells) achieved only partial or no improvement in the inflammatory status of Sf mice. Our results indicate that systemic activation of NRF2 suppresses effector T cell activities independently of Tregs and that NRF2 activation in multiple cell lineages appears to be required for sufficient anti-inflammatory effects. This study emphasizes the possible therapeutic application of NRF2 inducers in autoimmune diseases that are accompanied by Treg dysfunction.
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