Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

12:59
Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
BOB.1/OBF.1 controls the balance of TH1 and TH2 immune responses
Cornelia Brunner1, Anca Sindrilaru, Irute Girkontaite
1Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
The EMBO Journal
|June 15, 2007
Summary
BOB.1/OBF.1 is crucial for T helper cell function, regulating the balance between TH1 and TH2 immune responses. Its absence leads to imbalanced immunity and increased susceptibility to infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- BOB.1/OBF.1 is a known transcriptional coactivator vital for B-cell development.
- Its role in T-cell function was previously undefined, despite inducible expression upon co-stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of BOB.1/OBF.1 in T-cell immunity.
- To elucidate the specific role of BOB.1/OBF.1 in T helper cell responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized BOB.1/OBF.1 knockout (BOB.1/OBF.1(-/-)) mice for functional analyses.
- Assessed immune responses, cytokine production (TH1 and TH2), and promoter activities (IFNgamma, IL2).
- Investigated the role of transcription factor PU.1 in regulating TH2 cytokine production.
Main Results:
- BOB.1/OBF.1(-/-) mice exhibited imbalanced immune responses and heightened susceptibility to Leishmania major infection.
- Specific defects were observed in TH1 and TH2 cells, with reduced TH1 cytokine expression and increased TH2 cytokine secretion.
- BOB.1/OBF.1 directly impacts IFNgamma and IL2 promoter activity, and indirectly influences TH2 cytokine production via PU.1.
Conclusions:
- BOB.1/OBF.1 is essential for effective T helper cell function.
- The coactivator plays a critical role in balancing TH1 and TH2 mediated immunity.
- Dysregulation of BOB.1/OBF.1 contributes to immune imbalance and infection susceptibility.
Related Concept Videos
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
Humoral Immune Responses
Overview
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...

