RRC ID 85966
Author Fujisawa S, Tanabe Y, Hojo A, Shiga R, Kurachi J, Koura M, Tamai T, Miyanari Y, Wherry EJ, Kurachi M.
Title The transcription factor BATF pioneers the differentiation program of effector CD8+ T cells through the interaction with IRF4.
Journal Cell Rep
Abstract Basic leucine zipper transcription factor ATF-like (BATF) plays a crucial role in CD8+ T cell (CTL) differentiation. Here, we demonstrated that BATF controls epigenomic and transcriptomic reprogramming of CTLs at the early stages of acute viral infection, thereby promoting effector CTL differentiation. Loss of BATF drastically perturbed gene expression, chromatin accessibility, and binding of key transcription factors. The BATF-interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) interaction was essential for BATF-mediated effector differentiation, as the BATF mutant lacking this interaction failed to induce proper chromatin remodeling and proliferation of antigen-specific CTLs. Notably, IRF4 binding thoroughly depended on BATF, whereas BATF retained binding capacity even in IRF4-deficient CTLs. Furthermore, BATF initiated chromatin remodeling without IRF4; however, subsequent dynamic epigenomic reorganization required IRF4. These findings suggest that BATF serves as a "pioneer transcription factor" spearheading chromatin reorganization upon antigen encounter. This fundamental role is followed by further rearrangement of epigenomic and transcriptomic landscapes through the cooperation with IRF4.
Volume 44(8)
Pages 116129
Published 2025-8-26
DOI 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116129
PII S2211-1247(25)00900-3
PMID 40773348
PMC PMC12488371
MeSH Animals Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors* / genetics Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors* / metabolism CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes* / cytology CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes* / immunology CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes* / metabolism Cell Differentiation* Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly Interferon Regulatory Factors* / genetics Interferon Regulatory Factors* / metabolism Mice Mice, Inbred C57BL Protein Binding
IF 8.109
Resource
Human and Animal Cells 293T(RCB2202)