Basic leucine zipper transcriptional factor ATF-like (BATF)

AP-1 family transcription factor that controls the differentiation of lineage-specific cells from the immune system: specifically mediates the differentiation of T-helper 17 cells (Th17), follicular T-helper cells (TfH), CD8(+) dendritic cells and class-switch recombination (CSR) in B-cells. Acts via the formation of a heterodimer with JUNB that recognizes and binds DNA sequence 5'-TGA[CG]TCA-3'.

The BATF-JUNB heterodimer also forms a complex with IRF4 (or IRF8) in immune cells, resulting in recognition of AICE sequence (5'-TGAnTCA/GAAA-3'), an immune- specific regulatory element, followed by cooperative binding of BATF and IRF4 (or IRF8) and activation of genes. Controls distinction of T-helper cells generating interleukin-17 (Th17 cells) by binding to Th17-associated gene promoters: modulates expression of the transcription factor RORC itself and RORC target genes like IL17 (IL17A or IL17B).