Transcription factor IRF8 plays a critical role in the development of murine basophils and mast cells.

ABSTRACT: Basophils and mast cells play critical roles in host defense against pathogens and allergic disorders. However, the molecular mechanism by which these cells are generated is not completely understood. Here we demonstrate that interferon regulatory factor-8 (IRF8), a transcription factor essential for the development of several myeloid lineages, also regulates basophil and mast cell development. Irf8(-/-) mice displayed a severe reduction in basophil counts, which was accounted for by the absence of pre-basophil and mast cell progenitors (pre-BMPs). Although Irf8(-/-) mice retained peripheral tissue mast cells, remaining progenitors from Irf8(-/-) mice including granulocyte progenitors (GPs) were unable to efficiently generate either basophils or mast cells, indicating that IRF8 also contri

SUBMITTER: Sasaki H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4287642 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature