Transcription factor Foxn1 and preserving immune function in later life

Researchers use new experimental models and analytical tools to investigate genes regulated by Foxn1, becoming the first to identify the DNA sequence bound by the transcription factor. Among the hundreds of genes whose expression is regulated by Foxn1 are genes essential to attract precursor cells in the blood to the thymus, that commit precursor cells to become T cells, and that provide the molecular machinery which allows T cell selection to best serve an individual.