Interferon regulatory factors orchestrate CD8⁺ T cell function (Review)

The fate of CD8+ T cells is dictated by epigenetic remodeling, metabolic rewiring and most critically, the transcriptional reprogramming that integrates diverse extracellular signaling pathways. Transcription factors (TFs) predetermine cell differentiation state and lineage‑specifying hub TFs are decisive for CD8+ T cell functional maturation. The present study aimed to summarize the indispensable roles of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) in CD8+ T cell biology from early thymic development to the acquisition of distinct functional states. Alone or together with other TFs, IRFs are involved in the regulation of CD8+ T cell commitment, effector differentiation, memory maintenance and terminal exhaustion. In clinical practice, IRF family members hold potential as prognostic biomarkers and valuable therapeutic targets in CD8+ T cell‑associated immune disorders, such as tumors, transplant rejection, infection and autoinflammatory diseases.