Zinc finger proteins: insights into the transcriptional and post transcriptional regulation of immune response

Abstract

Background: Zinc finger proteins encompass one of the unique and large families of proteins with diversified biological functions in the human body. These proteins are primarily considered to be DNA binding transcription factors; however, owing to the diverse array of zinc-finger domains, they are able to interact with molecules other than DNA like RNA, proteins, lipids and PAR (poly-ADP-ribose). Evidences from recent scientific studies have provided an insight into the potential functions of zinc finger proteins in immune system regulation both at the transcriptional and post transcriptional level. However, the mechanism and importance of zinc finger proteins in the regulation of immune response is not very well defined and understood. This review highlights in detail the importance of zinc finger proteins in the regulation of immune system at transcriptional and post transcriptional level. Conclusion: Different types of zinc finger proteins are involved in immune system regulation and their mechanism of regulation is discussed herewith.