Abstract
T-bet is a member of the T-box family of transcription factors that appears to regulate lineage commitment in CD4 T helper (TH) lymphocytes in part by activating the hallmark TH1 cytokine, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). IFN-gamma is also produced by natural killer (NK) cells and most prominently by CD8 cytotoxic T cells, and is vital for the control of microbial pathogens. Although T-bet is expressed in all these cell types, it is required for control of IFN-gamma production in CD4 and NK cells, but not in CD8 cells. This difference is also apparent in the function of these cell subsets. Thus, the regulation of a single cytokine, IFN-gamma, is controlled by distinct transcriptional mechanisms within the T cell lineage.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / physiology
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Cell Differentiation
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Cell Line
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Cell Lineage
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Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
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Gene Targeting
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Immunization
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Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
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Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis*
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Interleukin-4 / biosynthesis
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Interleukin-5 / biosynthesis
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Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
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Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
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Leishmania major
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Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / immunology
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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T-Box Domain Proteins
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*
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Th1 Cells / immunology*
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Transcription Factors / deficiency
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Transcription Factors / genetics*
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Transcription Factors / physiology*
Substances
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Immunoglobulin G
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Interleukin-5
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T-Box Domain Proteins
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T-box transcription factor TBX21
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Transcription Factors
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Interleukin-4
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Interferon-gamma