FOXP3: not just for regulatory T cells anymore.
The forkhead family transcription factor FOXP3 has been shown to be critical for the development and function of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells. Recently, FOXP3 expression has been shown to be induced upon activation of human CD4+ T cells. A new report in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology shows that expression of FOXP3 in activated T cell leads to hyporesponsiveness, but not necessarily to acquisition of suppressor function. This finding suggests a new role for FOXP3 in human CD4+ T cells: down-modulating responses to TCR-mediated stimulation.
Ziegler
Steven F
SF
Immunology Program, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101 USA. sziegler@benaroyaresearch.org
D000818:Animals; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000276:immunology; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*
C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell