Role of HMGB1 in regulation of STAT3 expression in CD4+ T cells from patients with aGVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

- HMGB1 and STAT3 expressions are increased in CD4+ T cells from aGVHD patients.
- HMGB1 could regulate the expression of STAT3 by modulation of its DNA methylation in CD4+ T cells.
- Abnormally elevated HMGB1 may lead to Treg/Th17 imbalance in aGVHD patients.
- HMGB1 may serve as a potential molecular marker assisting our diagnosis and assessment of aGVHD after allo-HSCT.

Treg/Th17 balance plays a critical role in maintaining immune homeostasis of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) patients. STAT3 is an important factor involved in the instability of Treg and the promotion of Th17. HMGB1 is a cytokine mediator of inflammation and an important chromatin protein regulating gene transcription. In this study, we found that the expressions of HMGB1 and STAT3 were higher in CD4+ T cells of patients with aGVHD compared with those without aGVHD, and the HMGB1 expression was positively correlated with the STAT3 expression. Simultaneously, their expressions were positively correlated with the severity of the aGVHD. We also demonstrated that HMGB1 could regulate the expression of STAT3 by modulation of its DNA methylation in CD4+ T cells, moreover downregulated HMGB1 in aGVHD CD4+ T cells could change the ratio of Treg/Th17. These data strongly suggest that HMGB1 plays a crucial role in the regulation of Treg/Th17 and progression of aGVHD.