Epigenetically Controlled ZEB2 Expression Promotes the Cytotoxic Potential of CMV-Specific CD8⁺ T Cells.

ABSTRACT: Zinc finger E-box binding protein 2 (ZEB2) is a key factor in the differentiation of naïve CD8⁺ T cells into effector and memory T cells. However, the precise regulatory role of ZEB2 in cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells remains unknown. Our recent DNA methylation analysis of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific human CD8⁺ T cells revealed two differentially methylated regions (DMRs) within the ZEB2 locus. In the present study, we show that these ZEB2 DMRs undergo pronounced demethylation during T cell differentiation. In particular, terminally differentiated CD8⁺ T cells and cytotoxic CD4⁺ T cells show an almost complete demethylation. Demethylation of the ZEB2 DMRs correlates strongly with ZEB2 expression in all T cell subsets. Furthermore, DNA methyl

SUBMITTER: Sasidharan Nair V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12590920 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature