Twist1 Regulates Ifng Expression in Th1 Cells by Interfering with Runx3 Function

A transcription factor network that includes STAT4, T-bet, and Runx3 promotes the differentiation of Th1 cells and inflammatory immune responses. How additional transcription factors regulate the function of Th1 cells has not been defined. In this study we show that the negative regulatory factor Twist1 decreases expression of T-bet, Runx3, and IL-12R beta 2 as it inhibits IFN-gamma production. Ectopic expression of Runx3, but not T-bet or IL-12R beta 2, compensates for the effects of Twist1 on IFN-gamma production, and Twist1 regulation of Ifng depends on complex formation with Runx3. Twist1 decreases Runx3 and T-bet binding at the Ifng locus, and it decreases chromatin looping within the Ifng locus. These data define an IL-12/STAT4-induced negative regulatory loop that impacts multiple components of the Th1 transcriptional network and provide further insight into regulation of Th1 differentiation. The Journal of Immunology, 2012, 189: 832-840.