Law of STAT fives, root orchestrators of lymphocyte homeostasis and function

Immunology Interest Group Seminar Series The transcription factor STAT5 is fundamental to the mammalian immune system. Operating downstream of cytokines and growth factors, it impacts all aspects of lymphocyte biology, from general cellular processes like proliferation and apoptosis, to specialized immunological programs like effector and regulatory T cell differentiation. Genetic studies in humans underscore its widespread influence as mutations of STAT5 or upstream activators manifest varied Alejandro Villarino, NIAMS, NIHimmunological phenotypes including immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and hematological malignancies. Mouse models of STAT5 deficiency have affirmed these findings and have been instrumental in defining its broad homeostatic and metabolic functions, as well as lineage-restricted pro- and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Coupled to high-throughput sequencing technologies, they have also enabled genome-wide discovery of STAT5-dependent gene networks in both innate and adaptive lymphocytes, and have yielded valuable mechanistic insights on how it instructs gene transcription. Ongoing research will further clarify how STAT5 works at cellular, molecular and genomic levels with the overarching goal of informing the development of therapeutic agents to target STAT5 and/or relevant downstream targets. Alejandro Villarino is a post-doctoral research fellow in the laboratory of John O ’ Shea in NIAMS. His interest in cytokines began as a graduate student in Chris Hunte...
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