AP-1 transcription factors in cytotoxic lymphocyte development and antitumor immunity
Diana Schnoegl, Angela Hiesinger, Nicholas D. Huntington, Dagmar Gotthardt
Abstract
The proper functioning of cytotoxic lymphocytes, such as natural killer and CD8+ T cells, is essential for effective cancer-immunity and immunotherapy responses. The differentiation of these cells is controlled by several transcription factors (TFs), including members of the activator protein (AP)-1 family. The activity of AP-1 family members is regulated by various immune signaling pathways, which can be triggered by activating or inhibitory receptors as well as cytokines. The target genes controlled by AP-1 TFs are central to generate immunity to pathogens or malignancies. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of how AP-1 TFs regulate cytotoxic lymphocytes.