FOXP3 regulating long intergenic non-coding RNA (FLICR)

FOXP3 regulating long intergenic non-coding RNA (FLICR) is a long non-coding RNA located in close proximity to the Foxp3 gene and specifically expressed in mature regulatory T cells (Tregs)[1][2][4]. It acts as a negative regulator of Foxp3 expression, fine-tuning the amount of FoxP3 protein and thereby modulating Treg function and peripheral immune tolerance[1][4]. FLICR acts in cis, altering chromatin accessibility at conserved regions of the Foxp3 locus without affecting DNA methylation[1][4]. Its expression is particularly significant in conditions of low IL-2, with IL-2 signaling acting to repress FLICR[1][4]. Increased FLICR activity reduces Foxp3 and Treg suppressive activity, promoting susceptibility to autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, while diminished FLICR augments immune suppression and may impair anti-viral or anti-tumor responses[1][4]. FLICR is one of several lncRNAs that add a regulatory layer to Treg biology and immune homeostasis, but is not a protein, enzyme, or classical therapeutic target[1][2][4].

Other names

FlicrFoxp3 long intergenic noncoding RNAFOXP3 regulating lincRNA