The enigma of the role of protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3) in the immune response

Trends Immunol. 2010 May;31(5):199-204. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2010.01.005. Epub 2010 Feb 22.

Abstract

Protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3), the main cellular inhibitor of signal transducers and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), has been described as a modulator of DNA binding transcription factors. The exploration of the emerging roles of PIAS3 in immune regulation is a growing and fascinating field. Recent discoveries have shed new light on the key role of PIAS3 in the regulation of transcriptional activity, and on the molecular mechanism involved. These findings suggest that the known functions of this signalling molecule are merely the "tip of the iceberg". This article reviews the challenging questions regarding the link between PIAS3 and the intracellular signalling in immune cells. Some of the known functions of PIAS3 that potentially modulate key proteins in the immune system will also be discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor / immunology
  • Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Inhibitors of Activated STAT / immunology*
  • Protein Inhibitors of Activated STAT / metabolism
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / immunology
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor
  • Protein Inhibitors of Activated STAT
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor