T-bet是T-box基因家族的新型转录因子,选择性地表达于Th1细胞,能诱导干扰素γ的产生,在Th1细胞的分化中起决定性的作用。在生理条件下,机体Th1和Th2细胞的免疫功能处于动态平衡态,这种平衡的偏离,对肿瘤发生、发展有重要的影响。现已发现,肿瘤宿主体内Th1/Th2向Th2漂移,Th2优势状态与肿瘤的免疫逃逸密切相关。研究表明,将T-bet基因导入肿瘤细胞,可将Th2细胞逆转为Th1细胞,这将对肿瘤的免疫治疗具有重要的意义。
T-bet is a new transcription factor of T-box gene family,which is expressed selectively in Th1 cells. As a specific transcription factor of Th1,T-bet can induce the production of IFN-γ and play a decisive role in the differentiation of Th1 cells. Physiologically,the immune function of Th1 and Th2 cells is in the dynamic balance and the deviation of such balance has an important influence on the occurrence and development of tumor. Th1 /Th2 can shift to Th2 in cancer and Th2 dominance is closely related to immune escape of tumor. If T-bet gene is inserted into tumor cells,Th2 cells can be reversed to Th1 cells,significant for tumor immunotherapy.