Regulation of Th2 Cell Activity by Modulation of NFATp and NFAT4 Activity.

摘要

The invention demonstrates that NFATp and NFAT4 are required for the control of lymphocyte homeostasis and act as selective repressors of Th2 cells. The invention provides mice deficient in both NFATp and NFAT4 that exhibit a phenotype characteristic of increased Th2 cell activity. Methods for identifying modulators of Th2 cell activity, using either cells deficient in both NFATp and NFAT4, mice deficient in both NFATp and NFAT4, or indicator compositions containing both NFATp and NFAT4, are provided. Methods of regulating Th2 cell activity using agents that modulate the activity of NFATp and NFAT4 are also provided. Methods for diagnosing disorders associated with aberrant Th2 cell activity, by assessing changes in NFATp and/or NFAT4 expression, are also provided.