T cells climb on board Blimp-1

Trends Immunol. 2006 Aug;27(8):349-51. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2006.06.002. Epub 2006 Jun 27.

Abstract

B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein (Blimp)-1, a transcriptional repressor, has long been known to drive the terminal maturation of B cells into plasma cells. However, two recent studies reveal an unanticipated role for Blimp-1 in T-cell homeostasis. Blimp-1-deficient T cells exhibit enhanced proliferative and functional responses following activation, and induce spontaneous colitis. Hence, aside from its role in B-cell differentiation, Blimp-1 directs restraint among T cells.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Colitis / metabolism
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / immunology
  • Repressor Proteins / physiology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / immunology
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*

Substances

  • Repressor Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • PRDM1 protein, human
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1