Description

Cytotoxic lymphocytes, such as natural killer (NK) cells, protect our body from pathogens and cancer. However, when their functions are deregulated, these cells can promote uncontrolled inflammation. In addition to NK cells, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) also have been identified as a type of killer cell type. The functions of NK cells and ILCs are regulated by specific networks of transcription factors. In this publication, the researchers found that the transcription factor known as STAT4 is a main regulator of inflammatory and cytotoxic activity among ILCs during intestinal inflammation.

What is exciting about this article?

Understanding the mechanisms that regulate the functions of cytotoxic innate lymphocytes is particularly relevant in the context of human inflammatory bowel disease. It may also have implications for the design of cancer and antiviral therapeutics.

Grant support

AR041181