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Interplay of transcription factors in T‐cell differentiation and function: the role of Runx
Author(s) -
Wong Won Fen,
Kohu Kazuyoshi,
Chiba Tomoki,
Sato Takehito,
Satake Masanobu
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.297
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1365-2567
pISSN - 0019-2805
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2010.03381.x
Subject(s) - runx1 , gata3 , transcription factor , biology , foxp3 , cellular differentiation , microbiology and biotechnology , cd8 , t cell , gene , genetics , immune system
Summary Over the past years, increasing numbers of distinct subsets have been discovered and identified for a T lymphocytes’ entity. Differentiation and function of each T cell subset are controlled by a specific master transcription factor. Importantly, Runt‐related transcription factors, particularly Runx1 and Runx3, interplay with these master regulators in various aspects of T cells’ immunity. In this review article, we first explain roles of Th‐Pok and Runx3 in differentiation of CD4 versus CD8 single positive cells, and later focus on cross‐regulation of Th‐Pok and Runx3 and their relationship with other factors such as TCR strength. Next, we provide evidences for the direct interplay of Runx1/3 with T‐bet and GATA3 during Th1 versus Th2 commitment to activate or silence transcription of signature cytokine genes, IFN γ and IL4 . Lastly, we explain feed‐forward relationship between Runx1 and Foxp3 and discuss roles of Runx1 in regulatory T cells’ suppressive activity. This review highlights an essential importance of Runx molecules in controlling various T cell subsets’ differentiation and functions through molecular interplay with the master transcription factors in terms of protein‐protein interaction as well as regulation of gene expression.