FOXO transcription factors throughout T cell biology.
The outcome of an infection with any given pathogen varies according to the dosage and route of infection, but, in addition, the physiological state of the host can determine the efficacy of clearance, the severity of infection and the extent of immunopathology. Here we propose that the forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factor family--which is central to the integration of growth factor signalling, oxidative stress and inflammation--provides connections between physical well-being and the form and magnitude of an immune response. We present a case that FOXO transcription factors guide T cell differentiation and function in a context-driven manner, and might provide a link between metabolism and immunity.
University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0377, USA. shedrick@ucsd.edu
Stephen M
SM
Hedrick
Rodrigo
R
Hess Michelini
Andrew L
AL
Doedens
Ananda W
AW
Goldrath
Erica L
EL
Stone
D000818:Animals; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors