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Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of immune tolerance: roles of the NF-κB family members

Cellular & Molecular Immunology volume 16, pages 315–323 (2019)Cite this article

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Abstract

Immune tolerance is a highly regulated state and involves diverse mechanisms. Central to the induction of tolerance is the targeted modulation of T-cell activities (both effector and regulatory), in which transcription factors play a significant role. The nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) family is a family of transcription factors that not only are critically involved in diverse T-cell responses but also are regulated by many mechanisms to maintain tolerance and T-cell homeostasis. NF-κB, as a transcription factor, has been extensively studied in recent decades, and the molecular mechanisms that regulate NF-κB activities have been well documented. However, recent studies have revealed exciting new roles for NF-κB; in addition to its transcriptional activity, NF-κB can also activate diverse epigenetic mechanisms that mediate extensive chromatin remodeling of target genes to regulate T-cell activities. In this review article, we highlight recent discoveries and emerging opportunities in targeting NF-κB family members as well as their associated chromatin modifiers in the induction of immune tolerance and in the clinical treatment of immune diseases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center and Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Lei Zhang, Xiang Xiao, Preston R. Arnold & Xian C. Li

  2. Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA

    Xian C. Li

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  1. Lei Zhang
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Correspondence to Xian C. Li.

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Zhang, L., Xiao, X., Arnold, P.R. et al. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of immune tolerance: roles of the NF-κB family members. Cell Mol Immunol 16, 315–323 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41423-019-0202-8

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