Zinc finger protein Eos (IKZF4) (Eos)

Zinc finger protein Eos, encoded by the IKZF4 gene, is a member of the Ikaros family of zinc finger transcription factors. It functions primarily as a transcriptional repressor by binding to specific DNA sequences (5'-GGGAATRCC-3') and recruiting corepressor complexes, such as CtBP and Sin3A, to modify chromatin structure. Eos plays a critical role in the immune system, particularly in maintaining the suppressive function of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) through its interaction with the master regulator Foxp3. In disease contexts, dysregulation of Eos is associated with autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata and various hematological malignancies where it may contribute to immune evasion or aberrant cell proliferation. While it is not currently the primary target of approved drugs, it is a subject of intense research in immunotherapy and the development of molecular glues or proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) aimed at modulating immune responses.

Other names

IKZF4Ikaros family zinc finger protein 4ZNFN1A4KIAA1782

Transcriptional repression via recruitment of corepressors (CtBP, Sin3A) and induction of chromatin modifications