Background：AP-1 family transcription factor that controls the differentiation of lineage-specific cells in the immune system: specifically mediates the differentiation of T-helper 17 cells(Th17), follicular T-helper cells(TfH), CD8(+) dendritic cells and class-switch recombination(CSR) in B-cells. Acts via the formation of a heterodimer with JUNB that recognizes and binds DNA sequence 5'-TGA[CG]TCA-3'. The BATF-JUNB heterodimer also forms a complex with IRF4(or IRF8) in immune cells, leading to recognition of AICE sequence(5'-TGAnTCA/GAAA-3'), an immune-specific regulatory element, followed by cooperative binding of BATF and IRF4(or IRF8) and activation of genes. Controls differentiation of T-helper cells producing interleukin-17(Th17 cells) by binding to Th17-associated gene promoters: regulates expression of the transcription factor RORC itself and RORC target genes such as IL17(IL17A or IL17B). Also involved in differentiation of follicular T-helper cells(TfH) by directing expression of BCL6 and MAF. In B-cells, involved in class-switch recombination(CSR) by controlling the expression of both AICDA and of germline transcripts of the intervening heavy-chain region and constant heavy-chain region(I(H)-C(H)). Following infection, can participate in CD8(+) dendritic cell differentiation via interaction with IRF4 and IRF8 to mediate cooperative gene activation. Regulates effector CD8(+) T-cell differentiation by regulating expression of SIRT1. Following DNA damage, part of a differentiation checkpoint that limits self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs): up-regulated by STAT3, leading to differentiation of HSCs, thereby restricting self-renewal of HSCs(By similarity).
