GATA3: a master of many trades in immune regulation

Trends Immunol. 2014 Jun;35(6):233-42. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2014.04.002. Epub 2014 Apr 28.

Abstract

GATA3 has conventionally been regarded as a transcription factor that drives the differentiation of T helper (Th) 2 cells. Increasing evidence points to a function for GATA3 beyond controlling Th2 differentiation. GATA3 regulates T cell development, proliferation, and maintenance. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated important roles for GATA3 in innate lymphoid cells. Thus, GATA3 emerges as a factor with diverse functions in immune regulation, which are in some cases cell-type specific and in others shared by multiple cell types. Here, I discuss recent discoveries and the current understanding of the functions of GATA3 in immune regulation.

Keywords: GATA3; T cell; Treg cell; innate lymphoid cell; natural killer T cell; natural killer cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Immunity / physiology*
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • GATA3 Transcription Factor