Zfp287, also known as SKAT-2, is a Kruppel-type zinc finger gene. It has 14 C2H2-type zinc fingers tandemly arrayed at its C-terminus along with N-terminal SCAN box and KRAB domains. It may play a role in the selective regulation of cytokine genes in T cells, potentially being involved in immune-related pathways. Genetic models could be valuable for further exploring its function [1].

SKAT-2/Zfp287 is selectively expressed by murine Th2 cells. Its expression is tissue-restricted at the RNA level, detected in brain, and at low levels in kidney, spleen, and few hematopoietic cell lines. In antigen-stimulated CD4(+) T cells, its expression peaks after 2-3 days of culture under Th2 but not Th1 biasing conditions, similar to GATA-3. In transient transfection experiments in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin-stimulated EL4 cells, it up-regulates the activity of the IL-4 but not the IL-5 promoter, differing from GATA-3 [1].

In conclusion, Zfp287/SKAT-2 is a Th2-specific gene that likely plays a role in selectively regulating cytokine genes in T cells. Understanding its function through model-based research could provide insights into Th2-related immune responses and potentially immune-mediated diseases [1].

References:

1. Blanchard, A D, Page, K R, Watkin, H, Garcia-Lopez, J, Champion, B R. . Identification and characterization of SKAT-2, a novel Th2-specific zinc finger gene. In European journal of immunology, 30, 3100-10. doi:. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11093124/