GATA binding protein 3 (Gata3) is a GATA family transcription factor that 
controls differentiation of naïve CD4 T cells into T helper 2 (Th2) cells. 
However, it is unknown how Gata3 simultaneously activates Th2-specific genes 
while repressing those of other Th lineages. Here we show that chromodomain 
helicase DNA-binding protein 4 (Chd4) forms a complex with Gata3 in Th2 cells 
that both activates Th2 cytokine transcription and represses the Th1 cytokine 
IFN-γ. We define a Gata3/Chd4/p300 transcriptional activation complex at the Th2 
cytokine loci and a Gata3/Chd4-nucleosome remodeling histone deacetylase 
repression complex at the Tbx21 locus in Th2 cells. We also demonstrate a 
physiological role for Chd4 in Th2-dependent inflammation in an in vivo model of 
asthmatic inflammation. Thus, Gata3/Chd4 forms functionally distinct complexes, 
which mediate both positive and negative gene regulation to facilitate Th2 cell 
differentiation.