Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 7B (ZBTB7B)

Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 7B (ZBTB7B, also known as ThPOK) is a transcription factor characterized by zinc finger domains and a BTB/POZ domain. It acts chiefly as a master regulator of T-cell fate, directing the commitment of immature thymocytes to the CD4⁺ helper lineage by repressing CD8 expression and silencing critical genes via epigenetic mechanisms. ZBTB7B is required for normal development of multiple immune lineages, including γδT and NKT cells, and plays roles beyond the immune system in regulating metabolism, mammary gland function, and adipose tissue differentiation. Dysregulation or mutation of ZBTB7B is implicated in certain cancers and rare diseases and serves as a molecular switch in immune cell differentiation and function.

Other names

Krueppel-related zinc finger protein cKroxZinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 15Zinc finger protein 67 homologZinc finger protein Th-POKZinc finger protein 857BZFP-67Zfp-67CKROXC-KROXHCKROXZFP67ZNF857BTHPOKvGAFT-helper-inducing POZ/Krueppel-like factor

Drugs or interventions (if developed) would likely act as inhibitors or modulators of transcription factor activity, DNA-binding, epigenetic recruitment (e.g., histone deacetylase interactions), or protein-protein interactions.