BATF3 Human

The Basic Leucine Zipper Transcription Factor ATF-Like 3 (BATF3) is a member of the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) protein family. This family of proteins is characterized by the presence of a leucine zipper motif that facilitates dimerization and a basic region that binds to DNA. BATF3 is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression, particularly in the immune system.

The BATF3 gene is located on chromosome 1 in humans and encodes a protein that is approximately 21 kDa in size . The protein contains a basic leucine zipper domain, which is essential for its function as a transcription factor. This domain allows BATF3 to form heterodimers with other proteins, such as members of the JUN family, to regulate the transcription of target genes .

BATF3 is primarily known for its role in the immune system. It is a key regulator of the differentiation of CD8+ dendritic cells (DCs), which are essential for the immune response against pathogens . These dendritic cells are involved in the presentation of antigens to CD8+ T cells, leading to the activation of these T cells and the production of interleukin-12 (IL-12), a cytokine that is crucial for the immune response .

BATF3 functions by forming heterodimers with JUN family proteins. These heterodimers bind to specific DNA sequences, known as AP-1 sites, to regulate the transcription of target genes . The BATF3-JUN heterodimer can also interact with other transcription factors, such as IRF4 or IRF8, to form a complex that binds to immune-specific regulatory elements and activates the expression of genes involved in the immune response .

Mutations or dysregulation of BATF3 have been associated with various diseases, including hematologic cancers and mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIC . Understanding the role of BATF3 in these diseases could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.