Repressor of GATA negatively regulates murine contact hypersensitivity through the inhibition of type-2 allergic responses

Repressor of GATA (ROG) inhibits Th2 cell differentiation and allergic airway inflammation in the lung. To determine the role of ROG in the pathogenesis of contact hypersensitivity (CHS), a hapten-induced mouse model of CHS using ROG Tg and ROG-deficient (ROG−/−) was used. ROG Tg mice showed little ear swelling, while ROG−/− mice showed enhanced ear swelling in comparison to wild type mice. Interstitial edema and mast cell degranulation at the local inflammation sites were mild in ROG Tg mice and exacerbated in ROG−/− mice. In addition, the serum total IgE and hapten-specific IgG1 levels were increased in ROG−/− mice. Adoptive transfer of ROG−/− CD4+ T cells exacerbated CHS in wild type mice, while transfer of ROG Tg CD4+ T cells resulted in the attenuation of CHS. These results indicate ROG negatively regulates the induction of CHS by controlling the CD4+ T cell-mediated allergic responses, including IgE generation and mast cell degranulation.