STAT4: genetics, mechanisms, and implications for autoimmunity.

ABSTRACT: Recent advances in genetics and technology have led to breakthroughs in understanding the genes that predispose individuals to autoimmune diseases. A common haplotype of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) gene has been shown to be associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and primary Sjögren's syndrome. STAT4 is a transcription factor that transduces interleukin-12, interleukin-23, and type 1 interferon cytokine signals in T cells and monocytes, leading to T-helper type 1 and T-helper type 17 differentiation, monocyte activation, and interferon-gamma production. Although the evidence for this association is very strong and well replicated, the exact mechanism by which polymorphisms in this gene lead to disease remains

SUBMITTER: Korman BD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2562257 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature