Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Interrogating Individual Autoreactive Germinal Centers by Photoactivation in a Mixed Chimeric Model of Autoimmunity
Published on: April 11, 2019
Forkhead Box P family members at the crossroad between tolerance and immunity: a balancing act
Veerle Fleskens1, Ruben van Boxtel
1Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Maintaining an immune balance between a chronic inflammatory state and autoimmunity is regulated at multiple levels by complex cellular signaling mechanisms. Numerous immune stimulatory and inhibitory signals converge on a large variety of transcriptional regulators. One key transcriptional regulator of immune homeostasis is FOXP3, which is a member of the Forkhead Box P subfamily of transcription factors and was shown to be essential for the development and maintenance of regulatory T cells. However, other FOXP members have received less attention in relation to a role in immune regulation. Still, recent developments point toward a general important regulatory role for FOXP proteins in the development and function of the adaptive immune system and establishment of a balanced immune response. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on the role of FOXP proteins in establishing immune homeostasis with an emphasis on T-cell biology. Furthermore, we review and speculate about different modes of regulating general FOXP activity and the function of this in health and disease.
Related Concept Videos
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
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,...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

