Quieting T cells with Slfn2

Abstract

The mechanisms that enforce T cell quiescence are incompletely understood. Slfn2 has now been identified as another participant in this process, functioning as a critical regulator of T cell– and monocyte-mediated immunity.

Figure 1

Role of Slfn2 in maintaining T cell quiescence. T cells from elektra mice show normal activation of NFAT, NF-κB, Erk and Akt but enhanced basal activation of Jnk and p38 (oval size indicates degree of activation) relative to that of wild-type cells. Furthermore, elektra T cells demonstrate an activated phenotype, with the expression of CD44, but lack memory markers such as CD122. After being activated, the cells die by the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and show lower expression of Bcl-2.