The Jak-STAT Pathway Stimulated by Interferon γ

Different cytokines stimulate the Janus kinase (Jak) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is a type II interferon that triggers antiviral and adaptive immune responses through a Jak-STAT signaling pathway. These pathways involve a similar paradigm whereby cytokine binding to the receptor activates the Jaks, which phosphorylate STATs leading to their dimerization, translocation to the nucleus, and activation of their transcription factor activity. The animation shows binding of IFN-gamma and dimerization of the receptors, activation of Jak1 and Jak2, and phosphorylation of STAT1 leading to dimerization, translocation to the nucleus, and stimulation of target gene transcription.