Correlation study of JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway and CD4 + T lymphocyte subset changes in CMPA children

Abstract

BackgroundCow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common food allergy in children, affecting growth, development, and quality of life. The pathogenesis involves immune dysregulation, particularly CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets, which play a key role in immune responses. The JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway is critical for immune cell regulation, but its role in CMPA-associated immune changes remains unclear.MethodsA total of 103 CMPA patients and 100 healthy controls were enrolled. Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients before and after a 3-month CMPA avoidance diet. Flow cytometry, ELISA, western blotting, and qRT-PCR were used to analyze CD4+ T cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17), cytokine levels, and JAK2-STAT3 pathway activity.ResultsCMPA patients exhibited increased Th2 and Th17 proportions and reduced Th1 cells compared to controls. JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation levels were elevated, while SOCS1/SOCS3 expression was downregulated. After dietary avoidance, Th2 and Th17 proportions decreased, Th1 increased, and JAK2-STAT3 activation normalized. Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive associations between JAK2-STAT3 activation and Th2/Th17 proportions and a negative correlation with Th1.ConclusionsThe JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway is abnormally activated in CMPA and correlates with CD4+ T lymphocyte subset imbalances. Targeting this pathway may offer therapeutic potential for CMPA management.

Keywords: CD4 + T lymphocyte subsets; JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway; correlation; cow's milk protein allergy.