Restoration of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells by HDAC-Dependent Epigenetic Modulation Plays a Pivotal Role in Resolving Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Pathology

Rationale: Immune dysregulation is a common feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Histone deacetylase (HDAC)-dependent transcriptional reprogramming epigenetically modulates immune homeostasis and is a novel disease-oriented approach in modern times. Objectives: To identify a novel functional link between HDAC and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in PAH, aiming to establish disease-modified biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from idiopathic PAH (IPAH) patients and rodent models of pulmonary hypertension (PH): monocrotaline (MCT), Sugen5416-hypoxia (SuHx) rats and Treg-depleted mice. HDAC inhibitor Vorinostat (SAHA) was used to examine the immune modulatory effects in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro. Measurements and Main Results: Increased HDAC expression was associated with reduced Foxp3+ Tregs and increased programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) signalling in PBMCs from IPAH patients. SAHA differentially modified a cluster of epigenetic-sensitive genes and induced Foxp3+ Treg conversion in IPAH T cells. Rodent models recapitulated these epigenetic aberrations and T cell dysfunction. SAHA attenuated PH phenotypes and restored FOXP3 transcription and Tregs in PH rats; interestingly, the effects were more profound in female rats. Selective depletion of CD25+ Tregs in SuHx mice neutralized the effects of SAHA. Furthermore, SAHA inhibited endothelial cytokine/chemokine release upon stimulation and subsequent immune chemotaxis. Conclusions: Our results indicated HDAC aberration was associated with Foxp3+ Treg deficiency and demonstrated an epigenetic-mediated mechanism underlying immune dysfunction in PAH. Restoration of Foxp3+ Tregs by HDACi is a promising approach to resolve PH pathology, highlighting the potential benefit of developing "epigenetic therapies" for PAH.