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BLIMP1 guides the fate of effector B and T cells

Nature Reviews Immunology volume 7, pages 923–927 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (BLIMP1) is a transcriptional repressor, and its importance in controlling the terminal differentiation of antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) is well established. However, as we discuss in this Progress article, it has now become evident that the ASC programme consists of a discrete BLIMP1-independent initiation phase, followed by a second step in which BLIMP1 is absolutely required for the differentiation of fully mature ASCs. In addition, an important role for BLIMP1 in maintaining the homeostasis of effector T cells is emerging, suggesting intriguing parallels between the control of effector-cell fates in both B and T cells.

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Figure 1: The transcriptional control of late B-cell differentiation.
Figure 2: Model of the interaction of BLIMP1 and IL-2 in T-cell differentiation.
Figure 3: Comparison of BLIMP1 functions in B- and T-cell terminal differentiation.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank members of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute B Cell Program for helpful discussions and L. Corcoran for comments on the manuscript. This research was supported by the Pfizer Australia Research Fellowship (S.L.N.), the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (A.K.) and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

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  1. The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3050, Victoria, Australia

    Stephen L. Nutt, Kirsten A. Fairfax & Axel Kallies

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Nutt, S., Fairfax, K. & Kallies, A. BLIMP1 guides the fate of effector B and T cells. Nat Rev Immunol 7, 923–927 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nri2204

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