FOXP3, a member of forkhead/winged-helix family of transcription factors acts as a "master" regulator for the development and suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Its constitutive expression is necessary for the suppressive function of Tregs, and mutation or deficiency of FOXP3 leads to development of autoimmune diseases (1). FOXP3 expression has also been reported in a variety of solid tumors, including melanoma. 
FOXP3 expression in both tumor-infiltrating Tregs and melanoma cells was detected by immunohistochemical analysis of human melanoma tissues, in melanoma cell lines by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and Western blotting using anti-FOXP3 antibodies. Results from this study suggest that the mimicking of Treg function by melanoma cells may represent a possible mechanism of tumor resistance to immune destruction in the tumor microenvironment (2). The complex effects of post-translational modifications at individual lysines within the FOXP3 forkhead domain have been known to affect Treg function (3) modulation of these events using small molecule inhibitors may allow regulation of Foxp3+ Treg function clinically.
Novus Biologicals offers various FOXP3 reagents for your products research needs including:
