Transcriptional regulation of T lymphocyte development and function

The development and function of T lymphocytes are regulated tightly by sign al transduction pathways that include specific cell-surface receptors, intr acellular signaling molecules, and nuclear transcription factors. Since 198 8, several families of functionally important T cell transcription factors have been identified. These include the Ikaros, LKLF, and GATA3 zinc-finger proteins; the Ets, CREB/ATF, and NF-kappa B/Rel/NFAT transcription factors ; the Stat proteins; and HMG box transcription factors such as LEF1, TCF1, and Sox4. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the tra nscriptional regulation of T cell development and function with particular emphasis on the results of recent gene targeting and transgenic experiments . In addition to increasing our understanding of the molecular pathways tha t regulate T cell development and function, these results have suggested no vel targets for genetic and pharmacological manipulation of T cell immunity .