{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"FOXP3, also known as scurfin, is a protein involved in immune system responses. A member of the forkhead box protein family, FOXP3 appears to function as a transcription factor in the development and function of regulatory T cells. In regulatory T cell model systems, the FOXP3 transcription factor occupies the promoters of many important for regulatory T-cell function, and may repress transcription of key genes following stimulation of T cell receptors."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Alterations in numbers of regulatory T-cells - in particular those that express FOXP3 - are found in a number of disease states. Patients with tumors have a local relative excess of FOXP3 positive T cells which inhibits the body’s ability to suppress the formation of cancerous cells."}]}]}