Mapping Bcl11b binding in human MAIT cells

Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, already differentiated and located at mucosal sites, are critical in the body's first wave of defenses against invading pathogens. Bcl11b KO MAIT cells fail to be maintained both in the thymus and peripheral organs. Furthermore, MAIT cells fail to fully develop in the thymus without Bcl11b, failing to upregulate ROR?t, and that phenotype remains in the lungs and livers of these mice. Bcl11b deletion in MAIT cells causes dramatic shifts in the activation and TH17 programs, due to the binding of Bcl11b in many of those genes, which we have seen in the human MAIT cells. MAIT cells rely on PLZF and ROR?t for their development and function, while also heavily relying on Bcl11b. These data show the key interplay of Bcl11b with PLZF and ROR?t in a T cell leading to its development and necessary function to protect the body against diseases. Overall design: Examination of Bcl11b binding in human MAIT cells from peripheral blood