Analysis of IL-4/STAT6 Signaling in Macrophages

Methods Mol Biol. 2019:1966:211-224. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9195-2_17.

Abstract

Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) is a key signaling pathway in macrophage function, and is required for the so-called alternative (M2) activation of macrophages. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are important M2 polarizing cytokines that act through STAT6 by inducing its phosphorylation and promoting transcription of STAT6-responsive genes. Inactivation of STAT6 signaling in macrophages has not been fully explored; however, a recent model suggests that inactivation of STAT6 signaling can occur via ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. In this chapter, we describe a combination of techniques that can be used to study the activation/inactivation of STAT6 signaling in macrophages.

Keywords: IL-13; IL-4; Immunology; M2 activation; Macrophage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Immunologic Techniques / methods*
  • Interleukin-4 / metabolism
  • Macrophage Activation*
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Il4 protein, mouse
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor
  • Stat6 protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-4