Therapeutic potential of STAT4 in autoimmunity

Abstract

Introduction: 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.

Areas covered: 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.

Expert opinion: 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.

Keywords: autoimmune diseases; cytokine signaling; immune cells; signaling transducers and activators of transcription 4.