Pathway: Regulation of IFNG signaling
Reactions in pathway: Regulation of IFNG signaling :
Regulation of IFNG signaling
At least three different classes of negative regulators exist to control the extent of INFG stimulation and signaling. These include the feedback inhibitors belonging to protein family suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS), the Scr-homology 2 (SH2)-containing protein tyrosine phosphatases (SHPs), and the protein inhibitors of activated STATs (PIAS). The induction of these regulators seems to be able to stop further signal transduction by inhibiting various steps in IFNG cascade.
Cytokines are small proteins that regulate and mediate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. They are secreted in response to immune stimuli, and usually act briefly, locally, at very low concentrations. Cytokines bind to specific membrane receptors, which then signal the cell via second messengers, to regulate cellular activity.
Humans are exposed to millions of potential pathogens daily, through contact, ingestion, and inhalation. Our ability to avoid infection depends on the adaptive immune system and during the first critical hours and days of exposure to a new pathogen, our innate immune system.