IRF8 (human), recombinant protein

Protein function: Transcription factor that specifically binds to the upstream regulatory region of type I interferon (IFN) and IFN-inducible MHC class I genes (the interferon consensus sequence (ICS)) (PubMed:25122610). Can both act as a transcriptional activator or repressor. Plays a negative regulatory role in cells of the immune system. Involved in CD8(+) dendritic cell differentiation by forming a complex with the BATF-JUNB heterodimer in immune cells, leading to recognition of AICE sequence (5'-TGAnTCA/GAAA- 3'), an immune-specific regulatory element, followed by cooperative binding of BATF and IRF8 and activation of genes. Required for the development of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which produce most of the type I IFN in response to viral infection. Positively regulates macroautophagy in dendritic cells (PubMed:29434592). [The UniProt Consortium]