Runx Transcription Factors in T Cells—What Is Beyond Thymic Development?

• Published in: Frontiers in immunology Vol. 12; p. 701924
• Main Authors: Korinfskaya, Svetlana, Parameswaran, Sreeja, Weirauch, Matthew T., Barski, Artem
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 06.08.2021
• Subjects: Animals; Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits - immunology; cytokines; Humans; Immunity - immunology; Immunologic Memory - immunology; Immunology; Inflammation - immunology; mature CD4 T cells; RUNX1; RUNX2; RUNX3; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Thymus Gland - immunology; transcription factors; transcription factors; Runt domain; mature CD4 T cells; cytokines; RUNX3; RUNX2; RUNX1
• ISSN: 1664-3224; 1664-3224
• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.701924

Runx proteins (also known as Runt-domain transcription factors) have been studied for a long time as key regulators of cellular differentiation. RUNX2 has been described as essential for osteogenesis, whereas RUNX1 and RUNX3 are known to control blood cell development during different stages of cell lineage specification. However, recent studies show evidence of complex relationships between RUNX proteins, chromatin-modifying machinery, the cytoskeleton and different transcription factors in various non-embryonic contexts, including mature T cell homeostasis, inflammation and cancer. In this review, we discuss the diversity of Runx functions in mature T helper cells, such as production of cytokines and chemokines by different CD4 T cell populations; apoptosis; and immunologic memory acquisition. We then briefly cover recent findings about the contribution of RUNX1, RUNX2 and RUNX3 to various immunologic diseases. Finally, we discuss areas that require further study to better understand the role that Runx proteins play in inflammation and immunity.