Regulation of IL4 gene expression by T cells and therapeutic perspectives.
Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is crucial for the differentiation of naive T helper (T(H)) cells into the T(H)2 effector cells that promote humoral (antibody) immunity and provide protection against intestinal helminths. IL-4 also has a central role in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation. Many transcription factors are involved in the regulation of expression of the gene encoding IL-4. Initiation of transcription of the gene encoding IL-4 in naive T(H) cells is regulated by the T(H)2-specific transcription factor GATA3, whereas acute expression of the gene encoding IL-4 in T(H)2 cells is mediated by inducible, ubiquitous transcription factors after antigen encounter. This review focuses on acute activation of the gene encoding IL-4 in T cells and discusses therapeutic perspectives at the transcriptional level.
Li-Weber
Min
M
Tumour Immunology Programme D030, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. m.li-weber@dkfz-heidelberg.de
Krammer
Peter H
PH
D000818:Animals; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D050778:NFATC Transcription Factors; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000276:immunology
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D050778:NFATC Transcription Factors; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D015847:Interleukin-4