Interferon regulatory factors orchestrate CD8+ T cell function (Review)

Abstract

The fate of CD8+ T cells is dictated by epigenetic remodeling, metabolic rewiring and most critically, the transcriptional reprogramming that integrates diverse extracellular signaling pathways. Transcription factors (TFs) predetermine cell differentiation state and lineage-specifying hub TFs are decisive for CD8+ T cell functional maturation. The present study aimed to summarize the indispensable roles of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) in CD8+ T cell biology from early thymic development to the acquisition of distinct functional states. Alone or together with other TFs, IRFs are involved in the regulation of CD8+ T cell commitment, effector differentiation, memory maintenance and terminal exhaustion. In clinical practice, IRF family members hold potential as prognostic biomarkers and valuable therapeutic targets in CD8+ T cell-associated immune disorders, such as tumors, transplant rejection, infection and autoinflammatory diseases.