Role of BCL11B in CD4+ T Cells

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Helper T-cell migration and infiltration in central nervous system are critical events in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our preliminary results show that mice deficient in transcription factor Bcl11b in mature T cells showed reduced EAE severity with delayed onset, caused by diminished helper T-cell infiltration in the CNS. Instead helper T cells accumulated in the gut, however without causing overt inflammatory bowel disease. We propose studies to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the diversion of the Bcl11b-deficient CD4+ T cells from the draining lymph nodes and central nervous system, whichwill open new avenues for multiple sclerosis therapies, and other autoimmune disorders. Additionally, these studies are of major importance because they will further our understanding of the network of transcription factors that control effector CD4+ T cell differentiation and functional plasticity. Specifically, our studies will reveal the relationship between the transcription factors Bcl11b, Rorgt and Gata3 in Th17 lineage differentiation, Bcl11b, Gata3 and Rorgt in Th2 lineage differentiation, and how these two alternate lineages influence each other to maintain the balance between specialization and plasticity.