Analyses of transcription factors networks that govern T lymphocyte development

众所周知，T淋巴细胞在控制免疫系统中发挥重要作用，这对维持我们体内的稳态至关重要，从而保持我们的健康。因此，重要的是要了解的分子机制，管理几个T淋巴细胞亚群的分化。这项研究主要集中在一个转录因子网络，调节CD 4-辅助与CD 8-细胞毒性谱系的决定，并揭示了ThPOK和Runx转录因子之间的拮抗相互作用是控制这种谱系二分法的核心。此外，本研究不仅为Thpok基因的表观遗传调控提供了新的见解，而且还发现了Bcl 11b和SATB 1是调控Thpok基因表达的新的上游因子。此外，我们发现了一种未被重视的发育可塑性保留在CD 4 + T细胞中，使它们能够在暴露于肠道特定环境后重新编程以获得细胞毒性相关特征。

T lymphocytes are known to play important roles in the control of the immune system that is essential to maintain homeostasis in our body, thereby keeping our health. It is therefore important to understand molecular mechanisms that govern differentiation of several T lymphocyte subsets. This study mainly focused on a transcription factors network that regulates CD4-helper versus CD8-cytotoxic lineage determination and revealed that antagonistic interplay between ThPOK and Runx transcription factors is central to control this lineage dichotomy. In addition, this study not only provided novel insights into an epigenetic regulation of Thpok gene but also identified Bcl11b and SATB1 as novel upstream factors regulating Thpok gene expression. Furthermore, we found an unappreciated developmental plasticity retained in CD4+ T cells that allow them to be reprogrammed to acquire cytotoxic-related features upon exposure to the gut specific environment.