ZSWIM1: A novel biomarker in T helper cell differentiation

Abstract

The effector memory CD4+ Th17 cells play critical roles in bacterial immunity and pathological inflammation in autoimmune conditions. ZSWIM1 is a gene encoding a protein of unknown function in leukocytes-but containing a zinc finger SWIM motif. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the expression of ZSWIM1 is highest in lymphocytes, and in particular shows greatest abundance in naive CD4+ T cells. Upon polarisation of naïve CD4+ T cells, ZSWIM1 expression is retained in Th17 cells but is selectively down regulated in Th1 cells. Similarly in in vitro expanded effector memory CD4+ T cells, ZSWIM1 was more abundant in Th17 cells compared to Th1 or Th17 polyfunctional (Th17pf) cells, which prod..