Repression of interleukin-4 in T helper type 1 cells by Runx/Cbfβ binding to the Il4 silencer

Interferon gamma (IFN gamma) is the hallmark cytokine produced by T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, whereas interleukin (IL)-4 is the hallmark cytokine produced by Th2 cells. Although previous studies have revealed the roles of cytokine signaling and of transcription factors during differentiation of Th1 or Th2 cells, it is unclear how the exclusive expression pattern of each, hallmark cytokine is established. The Ill hypersensitivity site IV within the mouse 114 locus plays an important role in the repression of 114 expression in Th1 cells, and it has been named the 114 silencer. Using Cbf beta- or Runx3-deficient T cells, we show that loss of Runx complex function results in derepression of IL-4 in Th1 cells. Binding of Runx complexes to the 114 silencer was detected in naive CD4(+) T cells and Th1 cells, but not in Th2 cells. Furthermore, enforced expression of GATA-3 in Th1 cells inhibited binding of Runx I complexes to the 114 silencer. Interestingly, T cell-specific inactivation of the Cbf beta gene in mice led to elevated serum immunoglobulin E and airway infiltration. These results demonstrate critical roles of Runx complexes in regulating immune responses, at least in part, through the repression of the 114 gene.