Pathogenic point mutations in IRF4 cause selective dysregulation of the germinal centre and terminal B cell differentiation

Germinal centres are formed in response to infections or immunisations and are crucial for the formation of protective antibodies. We want to study the role of the transcription factor IRF4 on the formation and regulation of germinal centre responses. By using mouse models with mutations in the gene IRF4 that are found in in patients with immunodeficiency or in cancers that originate from the germinal centre we hope to understand how each mutation causes a specific cancer or immunodeficiency.