PRDM Family Proteins in Immune Regulation: Epigenetic Control and Implications in Immune-Related Diseases

PRDM family proteins are a group of epigenetic regulators characterized by a conserved PR domain and multiple zinc-finger motifs. To date, eighteen PRDM family members have been identified in both mice and humans. Increasing evidence indicates that PRDM members play critical roles in the regulation of immune responses and immune-related diseases. They are involved in key processes such as hematopoiesis, immune cell differentiation, inflammatory signaling, and immunometabolic regulation. Dysregulation of PRDM proteins has been associated with a variety of pathological conditions, including hematological malignancies, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and metabolic disorders. Notably, functional studies of PRDM family members remain highly uneven, with a few proteins extensively characterized while many others are still poorly understood. This review summarizes recent advances in the structural features and biological functions of PRDM proteins, with a particular focus on their roles in immune regulation and endocrine-metabolic homeostasis. Furthermore, we discuss their involvement in disease pathogenesis and highlight their potential as therapeutic targets. Overall, this work provides a systematic overview of PRDM family functions and offers insights for future research in immune-mediated and metabolic diseases.