title: Regulation of CD4+ T-cell polarization by suppressor of cytokine signalling proteins.
abstract: Suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins are induced in responses to many stimuli and by binding to cytokine receptors and associated janus kinase (JAK) proteins, directly regulate the activation of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). STAT proteins regulate the expression of many genes required for the differentiation of various CD4(+)  T helper cell lineages, and there is now accumulating evidence that SOCS also play essential roles in the regulation and maintenance of CD4(+)  T-cell polarization. As it is now clear that CD4(+)  T cells are more plastic than initially thought, it is of particular importance to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating CD4(+)  T-cell differentiation. Here we review the current understanding of how STATs and SOCS act in concert to influence the polarization of CD4(+)  T cells and highlight the relevance of this in disease.
authors: The Centre for Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, University Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
authors: Camille A
authors: CA
authors: Knosp
authors: James A
authors: JA
authors: Johnston
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D019070:Cell Lineage; D006801:Humans; D050791:STAT Transcription Factors / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D050826:Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D050791:STAT Transcription Factors; D050826:Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins