Subgroup belonging to the forkhead box genes. FOX genes characterize a special, highly conserved DNA section (forkhead box), which can be detected in many genes. FOXP3 represents a determinant, highly conserved transcription factor (431 amino acids) for the regulatory T cell line (Treg cells).
The coding gene "FOXP3 gene" is X-linked, located in the gene locus Xp11.23 in humans. The transcription factor FOXP3 belongs to the forkhead/winged-helix family of transcriptional regulators and has an 86 % homology to the FOXP3 protein in the mouse. As a transcription factor, FOXP3 is of central importance in the development of regulatory T cells and is expressed by CD4+/CD25+ regulatory T cells, which play a central role in the maintenance of immunohomeostasis.