Severe Impairment of IFN-α and IFN-γ Responses in Cells of a Patient with a Rare STAT1 Tail Segment Domain Mutation

J Interferon Cytokine Res. 2025 Dec;45(12):385-393. doi: 10.1177/10799907251389756. Epub 2025 Oct 20.

Abstract

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) mutations are associated with diverse pathologies. Loss-of-function (LOF) heterozygous mutations impair interferon (IFN) signaling, predisposing to Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases (MSMDs). This study characterizes a novel STAT1 LOF mutation in a patient with multisystem manifestations. A patient presenting with mycobacterial infection, skeletal abnormalities, and systemic inflammation underwent whole-exome sequencing. The identified STAT1 variant was analyzed via computational tools (PolyPhen-2/SIFT). Molecular biological validation included IFN-α/γ-induced STAT1 phosphorylation assays and fluorescence microscopy for subcellular localization. Clinical features included mycobacterial osteomyelitis, severe rash, dwarfism, hepatosplenomegaly, and elevated inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein/erythrocyte sedimentation rate). A heterozygous STAT1 mutation (NM_007315.4:c.2120T>C; p.Ile707Thr) was identified and predicted as pathogenic. Mutant cells showed reduced STAT1 phosphorylation (64% versus wild-type, P < 0.05) and impaired nuclear translocation post-IFN-α/γ stimulation. Antibiotic therapy achieved clinical resolution without complications. These findings indicated that the STAT1 I707T mutation disrupts IFN-α/γ immunity, expanding the MSMD genotypic spectrum. Genetic screening for STAT1 defects is critical in patients with mycobacterial infections involving skin. Molecular biological studies corroborate mutation pathogenicity, guiding therapeutic decisions.

Keywords: IFN-α and IFN-γ responses; Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases; STAT1 TSD mutation; autosomal dominant STAT1 deficiency; cytokine signaling defect; hepatosplenomegaly; immune dysfunction; loss-of-function mutation; mycobacterial infection; primary immunodeficiency.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha* / immunology
  • Interferon-alpha* / metabolism
  • Interferon-gamma* / immunology
  • Interferon-gamma* / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mutation*
  • Mycobacterium Infections* / genetics
  • Phosphorylation
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor* / genetics

Substances

  • STAT1 Transcription Factor
  • STAT1 protein, human
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Interferon-alpha