Exploring KLF4's Role in Immune Cell Function and Disease Progression

Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a transcription factor that plays pivotal roles in various physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as wound healing and cancer development, by regulating gene expression. It is expressed in a diverse range of cell types, including epithelial, endothelial, stromal, stem, and immune cells. While the function of KLF4 in epithelial, endothelial, stem, and stromal cells has been extensively studied, emerging evidence highlights its significant role in immune cells, particularly in inflammation, tissue homeostasis, and disease development. Despite these findings, the molecular mechanisms by which KLF4 operates differently in immune cells compared to other cell types remain underexplored. Recent studies have identified KLF4's involvement in mediating efferocytosis, a process crucial for clearing apoptotic cells, which is linked to enhanced injury resolution through trained immunity in alveolar macrophages. Trained immunity, a novel concept, refers to the innate immune system's capacity to develop immunological memory, providing long-lasting protection. However, the broader role of KLF4 in trained immunity beyond macrophages is yet to be fully understood.

This research topic aims to elucidate the specific functions of KLF4 within the immune system, focusing on its roles in regular development and disease progression, including trained immunity, inflammation, and cancer development. The objective is to address key questions regarding KLF4's involvement in these processes and to test hypotheses related to its function in both innate and adaptive immune cells. By exploring these aspects, the research seeks to deepen our understanding of KLF4's contribution to immunology-related processes and its potential implications for therapeutic interventions.

To gather further insights into the diverse roles of KLF4 in immunology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- KLF4 in trained immunity
- Maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells by KLF4
- KLF4's role in monocyte development
- Myeloid-derived suppressor cells expressing KLF4 in cancer development
- Function of KLF4 in leukemia
- KLF4 in macrophage polarization
- KLF4 in T cell and B cell development
- Reprogramming of B cells by KLF4
- Circadian expression of KLF4 in aged macrophages
- KLF4-related TGF-β1 and Notch signaling pathways in immune cells

This collection will include review articles, original research articles, and letters to the editors, with an expectation of a predominance of review articles.

Keywords: KLF4, immunology, hematopoietic stem cells, trained immunity, myeloid lineage, T cells, B cells, Mast cells, leukemia

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.