NFAT control of immune function: New Frontiers for an Abiding Trooper

Abstract

Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) was first described almost three decades ago as a Ca 2+/calcineurin-regulated transcription factor in T cells. Since then, a large body of research uncovered the regulation and physiological function of different NFAT homologues in the immune system and many other tissues. In this review, we will discuss novel roles of NFAT in T cells, focusing mainly on its function in humoral immune responses, immunological tolerance, and the regulation of immune metabolism.