Abstract
Foxp3, an X chromosomeâencoded forkhead transcription factor family member, is indispensable for the differentiation of regulatory T cells. These cells have a vital role in preventing autoimmunity and pathology inflicted by uncontrolled immune responses to infections. Deficiency or mutation in Foxp3 in humans and mice leads to an early onset, highly aggressive and fatal autoimmune disease affecting various tissues. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the Foxp3-dependent molecular and functional program and the role of Foxp3 in regulatory T cell biology.
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Acknowledgements
We are grateful to all members of the Rudensky laboratory for discussions. This work was supported by a Cancer Research Institute postdoctoral fellowship (Y.Z.) and grants from the US National Institutes of Health (A.Y.R.). A.Y.R. is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator.
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Zheng, Y., Rudensky, A. Foxp3 in control of the regulatory T cell lineage. Nat Immunol 8, 457â462 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/ni1455
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ni1455
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