Zbtb20 zygosity affects the immunological profile of experimental animals

Members of the Zbtb family of transcription factors is vital for the development and function of many cells and organs. One member in particular, Zbtb20, is critical for the maturation of the nervous system, the pituitary gland and the liver. In the present research we investigate the effect that the Zbtb20 TF has on the immune system of animals that lack one allele of the Zbtb20 gene. We report that greater number of hematopoietic cells, but lower levels of B-1 cells, is found in the bone marrow of Zbtb20 -heterozygous mutants. More CD19 + cells, than CD3 + cells are present in the spleen, with CD4 + cells being less abundant than the CD8 + cells of these animals, as well. The ratio between natural IgM and IgG antibodies differs in the two genotypes, with more IgM antibodies being secreted from less B-1 cells in the heterozygous mice. Together, our results shed additional light on the Zbtb20 -mediated regulation of the immune system.