KLF2 in Regulation of NF-κB-Mediated Immune Cell Function and Inflammation

Abstract

KLF2 (Kruppel-like factor 2) is a member of the zinc finger transcription factor family, which critically regulates embryonic lung development, function of endothelial cells and maintenance of quiescence in T-cells and monocytes. It is expressed in naïve T-cells and monocytes, however its level of expression decreases during activation and differentiation. KLF2 also plays critical regulatory role in various inflammatory diseases and their pathogenesis. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) is an important inducer of inflammation and the inflammation is mediated through the transcription of several proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules. So, both transcriptional factors KLF2 and NF-κB are being associated with the similar cellular functions and their maintenance. It was shown that KLF2 regulates most of the NF-κB-mediated activities. In this review, we focused on emphasizing the involvement of KLF2 in health and disease states and how they interact with transcriptional master regulator NF-κB.

Keywords: KLF2; NF-κB; immune cells; inflammation and diseases.

Figure 1

Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) mediated functions in various cell types.

Figure 2

NF-κB and KLF2 in transcriptional regulation. PCAF: p300/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CBP)-associated factor.

Figure 3

Role of KLF2 in inflammatory disease regulation.