Pathway: STAT5 Activation
Reactions in pathway: STAT5 Activation :
STAT5 Activation
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) constitutes a family of universal transcription factors. STAT5 refers to two highly related proteins, STAT5A and STAT5B, with critical function in cell survival and proliferation. Several upstream signals including cytokines and growth factors can trigger STAT5 activation.
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.