FOXP3 : forkhead box P3

Description

The FOXP3 (forkhead box P3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome X.

The FOXP3 gene provides instructions for producing the forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) protein. The FOXP3 protein attaches (binds) to specific regions of DNA and helps control the activity of genes that are involved in regulating the immune system. The immune system normally protects the body from foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, by recognizing and attacking these invaders and clearing them from the body.On the basis of its role in controlling gene activity, the FOXP3 protein is called a transcription factor. This protein is essential for the production and normal function of certain immune cells called regulatory T cells, which play an important role in preventing autoimmunity. Autoimmunity occurs when the body attacks its own tissues and organs by mistake. The FOXP3 protein is found primarily in an immune system gland called the thymus, where these regulatory T cells are produced.

Transcriptional regulator which is crucial for the development and inhibitory function of regulatory T-cells (Treg) (PubMed:17377532, PubMed:21458306, PubMed:30513302, PubMed:23947341, PubMed:24354325, PubMed:24722479, PubMed:24835996, PubMed:32644293). Plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis of the immune system by allowing the acquisition of full suppressive function and stability of the Treg lineage, and by directly modulating the expansion and function of conventional T-cells (PubMed:23169781). Can act either as a transcriptional repressor or a transcriptional activator depending on its interactions with other transcription factors, histone acetylases and deacetylases (PubMed:17377532, PubMed:21458306, PubMed:23947341, PubMed:24354325, PubMed:24722479). The suppressive activity of Treg involves the coordinate activation of many genes, including CTLA4 and TNFRSF18 by FOXP3 along with repression of genes encoding cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL2) and interferon-gamma (IFNG) (PubMed:17377532, PubMed:21458306, PubMed:23947341, PubMed:24354325, PubMed:24722479). Inhibits cytokine production and T-cell effector function by repressing the activity of two key transcription factors, RELA and NFATC2 (PubMed:15790681). Mediates transcriptional repression of IL2 via its association with histone acetylase KAT5 and histone deacetylase HDAC7 (PubMed:17360565). Can activate the expression of TNFRSF18, IL2RA and CTLA4 and repress the expression of IL2 and IFNG via its association with transcription factor RUNX1 (PubMed:17377532). Inhibits the differentiation of IL17 producing helper T-cells (Th17) by antagonizing RORC function, leading to down-regulation of IL17 expression, favoring Treg development (PubMed:18368049). Inhibits the transcriptional activator activity of RORA (PubMed:18354202). Can repress the expression of IL2 and IFNG via its association with transcription factor IKZF4 (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q99JB6, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15790681, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17360565, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17377532, ECO:0000269|PubMed:18354202, ECO:0000269|PubMed:18368049, ECO:0000269|PubMed:21458306, ECO:0000269|PubMed:23169781, ECO:0000269|PubMed:24835996, ECO:0000269|PubMed:30513302, ECO:0000269|PubMed:32644293, ECO:0000303|PubMed:23947341, ECO:0000303|PubMed:24354325, ECO:0000303|PubMed:24722479}

FOXP3 is also known as AIID, DIETER, IPEX, JM2, PIDX, XPID.

Associated Diseases

WES Whole Exome Sequencing

Clinical Exome Sequencing