Constitutively active STAT6 predisposes toward a lymphoproliferative disorder

Blood. 2007 Dec 15;110(13):4367-9. doi: 10.1182/blood-2007-06-098244. Epub 2007 Sep 18.

Abstract

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) is critical for IL-4 and IL-13 responses, and necessary for the normal development of Th2 cells. We previously generated mice that express a constitutively active STAT6 (STAT6VT) under control of the CD2 locus control region, which directs expression to the T-cell compartment. We now describe that a small proportion of these mice (~5%) develop a spontaneous lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) that results in dramatic splenomegaly. The cell populations observed in the LPD spleens can be divided into 2 categories, those that are composed of mixed lineage cells and those that are predominantly T cells with a phenotype similar to that in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) patients. These data suggest that while active STAT6 is not a transforming factor, expression in T cells predisposes toward the development of lymphoproliferative disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Lineage
  • Disease Susceptibility*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / etiology*
  • Mice
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Spleen / pathology
  • Splenomegaly
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology

Substances

  • STAT6 Transcription Factor