Members of the nuclear receptor superfamily function as transcription factors involved in innate and adaptive im-munity as well as lipid metabolism. These highly conser-ved proteins participate in ligand-dependent or -indepen-dent regulatory mechanisms that affect gene expression. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which include PPAR?, PPAR?/?, and PPAR?, are a group of nuclear receptor proteins that play diverse roles in cellular differentiation, development, and metabolism. Each PPAR subfamily is activated by different endogenous and synthetic ligands. Recent studies using specific ligand treatments and cell type-specific PPAR knockout mice have revealed important roles for these proteins in T-cell-related autoimmune diseases. Moreover, PPARs have been shown to regulate T-cell survival, activation, and CD4+ T helper cell differentiation into the Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg lineages. Here, we review the studies that provide insight into the important regulatory roles of PPARs in T-cell activation, survival, proliferation, differentiation, and autoimmune disease.

Keywords: autoimmune disease, nuclear receptor, PPAR, T cell