BET bromodomain inhibition suppresses graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in mice

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the major obstacle of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors selectively block acetyl-binding pockets of the bromodomains and modulate histone acetylation. Here, we report that inhibition of BET bromodomain (BRD) proteins with I-BET151 alters cytokine expression in dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells, including surface costimulatory molecules, in vitro and in vivo cytokine secretion, and expansion. Mechanistic studies with I-BET151 and JQ1, another inhibitor, demonstrate that these effects could be from disruption of association between BRD4 and acetyl-310 RelA of nuclear factor kappa B. Short-term administration early during BMT reduced GVHD severity and improved mortality in two different allogeneic BMT models but retained sufficient graft-versus-tumor effect. Thus inhibiting BRD proteins may serve as a novel approach for preventing GVHD.