The epigenetic factor bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET)
proteins have multiple functions in regulating cell proliferation,
differentiation and inflammation via binding to acetylated lysines on
histones. JQ1 and I-BET726, new inhibitors of BET proteins, have
potential therapeutic benefit for autoimmune diseases (AD). In this
study, we explored the effects of JQ1 and I-BET726 on innate and
adaptive immunity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)
model to investigate the mechanism and therapeutic benefit for AD. The
effects of JQ1 and I-BET726 on LPS-induced inflammation were
investigated in innate and adaptive immune cells of dendritic cells
(DCs), macrophages, and DC-dependent T cells. Different pro-inflammatory
cytokines were assessed via real-time PCR, flow cytometry, and Elispot.
Moreover, the effects of JQ1 and I-BET726 on EAE animals were further
investigated, including the effects on alleviating clinical symptoms and
inhibiting inflammation and demyelination in spinal cords via real-time
PCR and immunohistochemical staining. JQ1 and I-BET726 efficiently
inhibited LPS-increased TNF-α and IL-6 expression in bone marrow-derived
DC and macrophage of Raw264.7 cells. They also suppressed adaptive
immunity by down-regulating CD80/CD86 and IL-12/GM-CSF expressions, and
inhibiting DC-dependent T cell priming. Moreover, they effectively
inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 involved inflammatory changes in the spinal
cords of EAE model, including inflammatory cell infiltration and
demyelination. Most importantly, JQ1 and I-BET726 efficiently attenuated
the clinical deterioration of EAE mice. Our results indicate that JQ1
and I-BET726 possess therapeutic benefits for autoimmune diseases by
adjusting innate and adaptive immune response, indicating that BET
bromodomain might be potential molecular targets for autoimmune disease
therapy.