BATF3 is sufficient for the induction of Il9 expression and can compensate for BATF during Th9 cell differentiation

Abstract

Immunology: fanning the fires of airway inflammation A protein that regulates gene expression in immune cells may contribute to airway inflammation in asthma and allergies. A subset of immune cells known as Th9 cells plays a prominent role in these respiratory disorders, and researchers led by Gap Ryol Lee at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea, set out to characterize signaling mechanisms that promote Th9 production. They focused specifically on a protein called BATF3, which regulates genes responsible for maturation of a variety of other immune cell types, but whose role with regard to Th9 is poorly understood. They determined that BATF3 has a potent effect in terms of inducing Th9 cell activity, and can even take the place of another known Th9-inducing protein. These findings could assist in the development of treatments that keep airway-constricting inflammation in check.