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Transcription factor c-Maf: a checkpoint that programs autoimmunity

Na Liu1, Jin Zhang2, Pingping Wang3

  • 1Center of Medical Research, Weifang People's Hospital, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.

Frontiers in Immunology
|December 12, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The transcription factor c-Maf regulates immune cell development and function. It suppresses harmful inflammation while promoting protective immunity, showing therapeutic promise for autoimmune diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Transcription Factors

Background:

  • c-Maf is a key regulator in immune cell development and function.
  • It controls immune cell growth, differentiation, and responses.
  • Dysregulation of c-Maf is implicated in immune-related disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanistic role of c-Maf in autoimmunity and inflammation.
  • To explore c-Maf's associated signaling networks.
  • To highlight c-Maf's therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on c-Maf in immunity.
  • Analysis of c-Maf's role in immune cell signaling pathways.
  • Examination of c-Maf's function in models of inflammation and autoimmunity.

Main Results:

  • c-Maf acts as a critical regulator of immune cell homeostasis.
  • It exhibits dual functions: suppressing pathological inflammation and promoting protective immunity.
  • Associated signaling networks modulate autoimmune responses.

Conclusions:

  • c-Maf is a crucial immune checkpoint with significant therapeutic potential.
  • Targeting c-Maf may offer novel strategies for treating autoimmune diseases.
  • Further research into c-Maf signaling is warranted for clinical applications.

Keywords:
autoimmune diseasesautoimmunityc-Mafimmune checkpointinflammation

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