Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026

A Novel Feeder-free System for Mass Production of Murine Natural Killer Cells In Vitro
Published on: January 9, 2018
The GFI1-FOXO1 axis regulates NK cell maturation and function
Qiutong Huang1,2,3,4, M Zeeshan Chaudhry5, James Dight1
1The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract:
Natural killer cells defend against malignancies and viral infections through a tightly controlled program of differentiation and maturation. However, the transcriptional mechanisms guiding this process remain incompletely defined. Using paired single-cell multiomic profiling, we identify GFI1 as an epigenetic regulator of NK cell differentiation, coordinating EOMES and T-BET transcriptional balance to promote NK cell proliferation and the transition from immature to terminally differentiated NK cell states. GFI1 represses FOXO1 chromatin accessibility in mature NK cells, which normally limits NK cell proliferation and maturation. Co-deletion of both GFI1 and FOXO1 largely rescues NK cell differentiation, identifying a critical GFI1-FOXO1 axis required for protection against tumour metastasis. These findings position GFI1 as a key transcriptional node integrating NK cell differentiation, activation and effector programs.
Related Concept Videos
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
NF-kB-dependent Signaling Pathway
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
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...
Co-activators and Co-repressors

