CIITA (M-20) Antibody: sc-9870

CIITA Background Information
The mounting of an immune response and CD4 T cell development in vertebrates require the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. MHC class II molecules are heterodimeric cell surface glycoproteins expressed on B cells, macrophages and dendritic cells, which present antigens to CD4+ T cells. CIITA (class II transactivator) acts as a coactivator for MHC class II-specific gene expression and negatively regulates the IL-4 gene promoter during T cell differentiation. IFNg induces CIITA gene expression via JAK1 and Stat1 pathways. The GTP-binding and acidic, proline-serine-threonine-rich regions appear to be required for CIITA activity. RFX-B (also designated RFXANK and Tvl-1) is the smallest subunit of the RFX complex, which is also required for MHC class II-specific gene transcription. RFX-B contains three ankyrin-repeats that may allow protein-protein interactions between RFX-B and other RFX subunits, and possibly with CIITA and NF-Y. Defects of CIITA and RFX-B have been implicated as causes of Bare Lymphocyte Syndrome (BLS), which is characterized by the absence of MHC class II transcription and severe immunodeficiencies.