Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania generated a model system for analysing Foxp3 induction and identified an enhancer element in this gene when they used their model system with primary T-cells.

So far, details on the mechanism of Foxp3 expression and transcriptional regulation have remained unknown. Research on that matter requires Treg cells which only grow in small numbers in mononuclear cell populations.

But with a new system the two transcription factors Smad3 and NFAT were discovered to be essential for activity of the Foxp3 enhancer. Both factors contribute to histone acetylation in the enhancer region and induction of Foxp3.

These discoveries may explain the effects of TGF-β on the function of Foxp3+ Treg cells.

Related antibodies on antibodies-online.com:

Smad3

NFAT

Foxp3

CD25

TGF-β

T-cells

Antibodies for the research area immunology: »Show antibodies