In search of a master regulator of cytotoxicity: Transcriptional control of cytolytic effector function in human lymphocytes

In this thesis we studied transcription factors (TF) that play a role in the generation and preservation of terminally differentiated CD8+ T cells. These cells have immediate cytotoxic activity, and knowledge how to induce these cells could be beneficial in adapting vaccination strategies or in combating disease using in vitro expanded T-cells. Kirsten Hertoghs investigated the transcription factors that control the transcriptional program that lead to the generation and maintenance of T cells with killing capacity. A novel protein was identified that was named HOBIT. This protein is highly conserved between species and is present in all human cytotoxic cells. The properties and function of HOBIT were studied in mouse, human and specifically in Large Granular lymphoma cells.