Overview:

STAT4 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 4) is a member of the STAT family that is phosphorylated by receptor-associated protein kinases. STATs form homo- or heterodimers and translocate to the cell nucleus where they act as transcription activators. T helper (Th) cells differentiation is regulated by STAT4 (1). STAT4 controls T1/T2 balance during the response to live influenza virus and isolated viral proteins. The differentiation of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing Th1 and Tc1 cells after inoculation of live virus occurred independently of STAT4 expression. STAT4 has been shown to control pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2).

References:

1. Andrea L W. et al: The biology of Stat4 and Stat6. Oncogene, 2000,19: 21, 2577-2584.

2. Cosio. G M.: Autoimmunity, T-cells and STAT-4 in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Eur Respir J, 2004; 24:3-5.