Therapeutic potential of STAT4 in autoimmunity.
BACKGROUND
STAT4, which acts as the major signaling transducing STATs in response to IL-12, is a central mediator in generating inflammation during protective immune responses and immune-mediated diseases.


METHODS
This review summarizes that STAT4 is essential for the differentiation and function of a wide variety of immune cells, including natural killer cells, mast cells, dendritic cells and T helper cells. In addition, STAT4-mediated signaling promoted the production of autoimmune-associated components, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and psoriasis.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to its crucial roles in inflammation and autoimmunity, STAT4 may have promise as an effective therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving STAT4, together with knowledge on the ability of current immunosuppressive treatment to target this process, may open an avenue to novel therapeutic options.
Anhui Medical University, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , Anhui, PR China ydqahmu@gmail.com.
Yan
Y
Liang
Hai-Feng
HF
Pan
Dong-Qing
DQ
Ye
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000276:immunology; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D050797:STAT4 Transcription Factor / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D050797:STAT4 Transcription Factor; C494090:STAT4 protein, human; D018664:Interleukin-12
autoimmune diseases; cytokine signaling; immune cells; signaling transducers and activators of transcription 4