IRF2BP2: A new player in the regulation of cell homeostasis

Abstract

The IRF2BP2 (IFN regulatory factor 2 binding protein 2) protein was identified as a nuclear pro tein that interacts with IFN regulatory factor 2 (IRF-2) and is an IRF-2-dependent transcrip tional repressor. IRF2BP2 belongs to the IRF2BP family, which includes IRF2BP1, IRF2BP2, and IRF2BPL (EAP1). Recently, IRF2BP2 has emerged as an important new transcriptional cofactor in different biological systems, acting as a positive and negative regulator of gene expression. IRF2BP2 plays a role in different cellular functions, including apoptosis, survival, and cell differen tiation. Additionally, IRF2BP2 may be involved in cancer development. Finally, it has been recently reported that IRF2BP2 may play a role in macrophage regulation and lymphocyte activation, high lighting its function in innate and adaptive immune responses. However, it has become increas ingly clear that IRF2BP2 and its isoforms can have specific functions. In this review, we address the possible reasons for these distinct roles of IRF2BP2 and the partner proteins that interact with it. We also discuss the genes regulated by IRF2BP2 during the immune response and in other biological systems.