PLZF is essential for iNKT cell development (82.5)

Abstract

The promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) protein is a member of the BTB/POZ zinc finger family of transcription factors. This family of transcription factors also include Th-Pok, BCL-6 and MAZR which are known to play important roles in the immune system. Here we demonstrate that PLZF deficient mice have a severe impairment in iNKT cell lineage development leading to a lack of iNKT cells in the thymus and periphery. Real-time PCR showed that PLZF mRNA is highly expressed in iNKT cells. This correlates with flow cytometry analysis which revealed exclusive expression of PLZF protein in iNKT cells within the immune system. Radiation chimeras showed that PLZF is required for iNKT cell development in a cell intrinsic manner. These results identify PLZF as a key factor in iNKT development. They also underline the BTB/POZ family of transcription factors as important factors in the immune system.