The transcription factor NFIL3 controls regulatory T-cell function and stability

Abstract

Autoimmunity: Revealing the genes behind immune cell responses The identification of a protein involved in the functioning of certain immune cells may inform future therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are immune cells that play a vital role in preventing autoimmunity, by suppressing immune responses. Abnormal Treg activity is implicated in cancer and autoimmune conditions like colitis. Gap Ryol Lee and co-workers at Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea, found that a transcription factor protein called NFIL3, coded for by the Nfil3 gene, helps regulate Treg function and differentiation. The team found that Nfil3 was expressed at lower levels in Treg cells than in other T cell populations. When Nfil3 was overexpressed in Treg cells, the expression of another critical regulator gene for Treg functions was reduced, impairing the activity of the immune cells.