A joint research group led by Professor Makoto Kurachi from Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Assistant Professor Sotaro Fujisawa from the same faculty, Assistant Professor Yamato Tanabe from Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Professor Yusuke Miyanari from Nano Life Science Institute , and Professor E. John Wherry from the University of Pennsylvania has revealed how the transcription factor (*1) BATF activates CD8 positive T cells, a type of immune cell, to change into an attacking (fighting) cell type.
As research on immunotherapy for infectious diseases and cancer has progressed in recent years, a proper understanding of the function of immune cells is an important issue for the development of more effective therapies. In this study, it was revealed that BATF promotes differentiation (*5) of CD8-positive T cells upon antigen stimulation (*2) into effector cells that attack virus-infected cells and cancer cells through remodeling (*4) of chromatin (*3) structure and regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, it was also revealed for the first time that BATF must directly interact with the transcription factor IRF4 in order to properly induce effector differentiation of CD8-positive T cells.
The results of this study deepen our understanding of the differentiation mechanism of immune cells and may lead to the development of more effective vaccines and cancer immunotherapy through the regulation of immune responses.
The research results were published in the online edition of the American scientific journal Cell Reports on August 26, 2025.
Note that this research was conducted using the new Biosafety Level (*6) 3 Animal Experimentation Facility at Kanazawa University constructed in 2021.
【Glossary】
*1 Transcription factors
A protein that recognizes and binds to specific sequences on DNA and regulates gene expression, contributing to the differentiation of various cells including CD8-positive T cells.
*2 Antigen Stimulation
T cells and B cells are activated by recognizing specific structures (antigens) derived from foreign substances such as viruses that have invaded the body.
*3 Chromatin
A complex of histones and other proteins and DNA in the cell nucleus; DNA is folded around histones and compactly stored in the nucleus.
*4 Remodeling
A change in the structure of chromatin. When gene expression is promoted, the coiling of DNA around histones must be loosened.
*5 Differentiation
Acquisition of different properties and functions by cells.
*6 Biosafety Level
This is a classification of experimental facilities that handle pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, and is categorized from 1 to 4 according to the facilities and operational management system used to contain pathogens. The higher the number, the higher the level of facility equipment and management system.
Click here to see the press release【Japanese only】
Journal :Cell Reports
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