Understand FOXP1 as a gatekeeper of T cell aging
T cells are essential for the immune system to protect us from infection and cancer. However, aging increases the prevalence of dysfunctional T cells and impairs T cell immunity. As a result, older adults have higher morbidity and mortality rates after infection and increased risk of cancer. Dr. Wu and his team recently discovered T cells that resemble stem cells, resist T cell dysfunction and promote long-term immunity against cancer and infection. They identified transcription factor FOXP1 as a “master” regulator for stem-like T cells. However, aging reduces FOXP1 in T cells. Introducing FOXP1 in aged T cells promotes their differentiation to stem-like T cells. Here, they will determine the role of FOPX1 as a gatekeeper of T cell aging and evaluate strategies to promote healthy aging by targeting FOXP1 in T cells. This study will have strong implications for developing interventions to improve the life quality of older adults.
