The diverse functions of transcription factors in T cell immunity during LCMV infection

We aimed to decipher the role of IRF4 and its cooperating binding partner BATF and STAT3 in virus-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cell immune function. Our results demonstrate that IRF4 and BATF but not STAT3 are necessary for sustained CD8+ T cell effector function. IRF4 and BATF deficiency resulted in limited CD8+ T cell responses after LCMV infection. Consequently, Irf4-/- and BATF-/- mice established chronic infections, but were protected from fatal immunopathology. These data identify the transcription factors IRF4 and BATF as major regulators of anti-viral cytotoxic T cell immunity. Mice with conditional disrupti…