TL;DR: The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are among the most well studied of the latent cytoplasmic signal-dependent transcription-factor pathways.
Abstract: Extracellular proteins bound to cell-surface receptors can change nuclear gene expression patterns in minutes, with far-reaching consequences for development, cell growth and homeostasis. The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are among the most well studied of the latent cytoplasmic signal-dependent transcription-factor pathways. In addition to several roles in normal cell decisions, dysregulation of STAT function contributes to human disease, making the study of these proteins an important topic of current research.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarize the signalling and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate type I IFN-induced STAT activation and ISG transcription and translation and conclude that these regulatory mechanisms determine the biological outcomes of type I ILN responses and whether pathogens are cleared effectively or chronic infection or autoimmune disease ensues.
Abstract: Type I interferons (IFNs) activate intracellular antimicrobial programmes and influence the development of innate and adaptive immune responses. Canonical type I IFN signalling activates the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, leading to transcription of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Host, pathogen and environmental factors regulate the responses of cells to this signalling pathway and thus calibrate host defences while limiting tissue damage and preventing autoimmunity. Here, we summarize the signalling and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate type I IFN-induced STAT activation and ISG transcription and translation. These regulatory mechanisms determine the biological outcomes of type I IFN responses and whether pathogens are cleared effectively or chronic infection or autoimmune disease ensues.
TL;DR: The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway is one of a handful of pleiotropic cascades used to transduce a multitude of signals for development and homeostasis in animals, from humans to flies.
Abstract: The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway is one of a handful of pleiotropic cascades used to transduce a multitude of signals for development and homeostasis in animals, from humans to flies. In mammals, the JAK/STAT pathway is the principal signaling
TL;DR: Recent studies on the regulation of the JAK–STAT pathway are reviewed to enhance the ability to design rational therapeutic strategies for immune diseases.
Abstract: The cytokine-activated Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway has an important role in the control of immune responses. Dysregulation of JAK–STAT signalling is associated with various immune disorders. The signalling strength, kinetics and specificity of the JAK–STAT pathway are modulated at many levels by distinct regulatory proteins. Here, we review recent studies on the regulation of the JAK–STAT pathway that will enhance our ability to design rational therapeutic strategies for immune diseases.