Predicted to enable DNA-binding transcription factor activity, RNA polymerase II-specific and RNA polymerase II cis-regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Acts upstream of or within microglia development; regulation of macrophage differentiation; and regulation of neutrophil differentiation. Predicted to be active in nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including endothelial cell; eye; hematopoietic cell; hematopoietic system; and yolk. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Behcet's disease; immunodeficiency 32A; immunodeficiency 32B; multiple myeloma; and systemic lupus erythematosus. Orthologous to human IRF8 (interferon regulatory factor 8).