The transcription factor Zfp281 serves redundantly with Zfp148 to support CD4+ T cell development and functions [Thymus Visium]

The transcription factor Gata3 is essential both for CD4+ T cell development in the thymus and for the differentiation of Th2 cells, which mediate responses against extracellular parasites and contribute to asthma and allergies. Here we report that the transcription factor Zfp281, in part redundantly with its paralog Zfp148, cooperates with Gata3 to promote CD4+ T cell development and Th2 cell differentiation. Disruption of both factors in T cells resulted in reduced numbers of spleen CD4+ T cells. Additionally, we show that Zfp281 interacts with Gata3, and that Zfp281 binds to Th2 cytokine loci in Th2 cells. Finally, we found that Zfp148 and Zfp281 promote Th2 cytokine expression. During airway inflammation, Zfp148/281-deficient CD4+ T cells failed to express Th2 cytokines, despite normal expression of Gata3. Altogether our data identify Zfp148 and Zfp281 as essential for enabling Gata3 functions in both CD4+ T cell development and Th2 function.