Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

In Vitro Differentiation of Human CD4+FOXP3+ Induced Regulatory T Cells (iTregs) from Naïve CD4+ T Cells Using a TGF-β-containing Protocol
Published on: December 30, 2016
Immune regulation by histone deacetylases: a focus on the alteration of FOXP3 activity
Hongtao Zhang1, Yan Xiao, Zhiqiang Zhu
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6082, USA.
Abstract:
Several histone deacetylases (HDACs) are involved in the regulation of forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3) expression and function by affecting features of FOXP3 protein stability. FOXP3, a forkhead family transcription factor specially expressed in regulatory T (Treg) cells, controls the expression of many key immune-regulatory genes. Treg cells are a population of T lymphocytes that have critical roles in the immune system homeostasis and tolerance to self and foreign antigens, the body's response to cancer and infectious agents. FOXP3 forms oligomeric complexes with other proteins, the components of which are believed to be regulated dynamically. In addition, HDAC activities influence FOXP3 interactions with other partners to form transcriptional regulatory complexes. By understanding the details of the biochemical and structural basis of the regulation of FOXP3 acetylation, therapeutic strategies for diseases related to Treg cells may emerge.
Related Concept Videos
Histone Modification
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Histone Modification
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
Spreading of Chromatin Modifications
Writers
The writer is an enzyme that can...
Co-activators and Co-repressors
Master Transcription Regulators