Abstract.
Differentiation of CD4+ T cells into T helper (Th) 1 or Th2 cells requires the cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-4, respectively. However, transcription factors that regulate expression of Th1 or Th2 cell-specific genes remain largely unclear. In the present study, a new Th1-specific transcription factor, named Tbt-1 (T-box protein expressed in T lymphocytes), was identified. Tbt-1 is a novel member of the T-box family, which is characterized by a conserved T-box DNA-binding domain. Unlike other known T-box proteins that regulate embryo development and organogenesis, Tbt-1 expression is restricted to adult lymphoid organs. Tbt-1 mRNA is only detected in peripheral lymphoid tissues such as spleen, lymph nodes, and blood leukocytes, but not in thymus or bone marrow. Tbt-1 mRNA is not detected in resting T cells but is strongly induced in differentiating Th1 cells and CD8+ cytotoxic effector cells. In contrast, Tbt-1 expression was not observed in the entire process of Th2 cell differentiation. In addition, phylogenetic analyses indicate that Tbt-1 co-evolved with adaptive immune responses. Thus, Tbt-1 is the first T-box transcription factor shown to be specific for Th1 cell differentiation.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Shier, P., Hofstra, C., Ma, XJ. et al. Tbt-1, a new T-box transcription factor induced in activated Th1 and CD8+ T cells. Immunogenetics 51, 771–778 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002510000212
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002510000212