FIGURE 1.

Transcription factors involved in the regulation of murine NK cell development and maturation. The study of TFs in mice has given valuable information about the molecular regulation of NK cell development. TFs like E4bp4 and Pu.1 act early promoting NK cell lineage commitment. Then, several TFs such as E4bp4, Id2, Klf4, and T-bet ensure the transition from immature to mature NK cells. A complex network of TFs act downstream or upstream of these TFs and others regulating the acquisition of receptors and NK cell function. Finally, some of the TFs like Gata-3, Klf4, T-bet, and Tox have been shown to be important for the regulation of tissue-specific NK cells.