Cutting Edge: a novel, human-specific interacting protein couples FOXP3 to a chromatin-remodeling complex that contains KAP1/TRIM28

J Immunol. 2013 May 1;190(9):4470-3. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203561. Epub 2013 Mar 29.

Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance. Deficiency or dysfunction of Tregs leads to severe autoimmune diseases. Although the forkhead/winged-helix family member FOXP3 is critical for Treg differentiation and function, the molecular basis for FOXP3 function remains unclear. In this study, we identified and characterized a human-specific FOXP3-interacting protein, referred to as FIK (FOXP3-interacting KRAB domain-containing protein). FIK is highly expressed in Tregs and acts as a bridging molecule to link FOXP3 with the chromatin-remodeling scaffold protein KAP1 (TIF-1β/TRIM28). Disruption of the FOXP3-FIK-KAP1 complex in Tregs restored expression of FOXP3-target genes and abrogated the suppressor activity of the Tregs. These data demonstrate a critical role for FIK in regulating FOXP3 activity and Treg function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromatin / immunology*
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly / immunology*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / immunology*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Repressor Proteins / immunology*
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Self Tolerance / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 28

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Repressor Proteins
  • TRIM28 protein, human
  • Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 28