The methyltransferase DOT1L limits activation and the Th1 program in CD4+ T cells during infection and inflammation

Abstract

CD4+ T helper (Th) cell differentiation is controlled by lineage-specific expression of transcription factors and effector proteins, as well as silencing of lineage-promiscuous genes. Lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) comprise a major class of epigenetic enzymes that are emerging as important regulators of Th cell biology. Here, we show that the KMT DOT1L regulates Th cell function and lineage integrity. DOT1L-dependent dimethylation of lysine 79 of histone H3 (H3K79me2) is associated with lineage-specific gene expression. However, DOT1L-deficient Th cells overproduce IFN-{gamma} under lineage-specific and lineage-promiscuous conditions. Consistent with the increased IFN-{gamma} response, mice with a T cell-specific deletion of DOT1L are susceptible to infection with the helminth parasite Trichuris muris and resistant to the development of allergic lung inflammation. These results identify a central role for DOT1L in Th cell lineage commitment and stability, and suggest that inhibition of DOT1L may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to limit type 2 immune responses.