Sequential activation of inflammatory signaling pathways during graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): early role for STAT1 and STAT3.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to delineate the temporal and spatial sequence of STAT1 and STAT3 activation during development of GVHD following fully Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-mismatched allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT). Activation of inflammatory signaling pathways in GVHD target organs was assessed by western blotting, phospho-flow cytometry and electromobility shift assays (EMSA). Development of GVHD was associated with significant expansion of phospho[p]-STAT1 and p-STAT3 expressing CD4(+) T cells and CD8(+) T cells. GVHD-specific STAT3/STAT1 activation preceded activation of Nuclear Factor-?B (NF-?B) and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and was associated with subsequent induction of STAT1 or STAT3-dependent inflammatory gene-expression programs (e.g. expression of IRF-1, SOCS1, IL-17). Our studies may help to establish a functional hierarchy of the signaling events leading to the development of GVHD and could be helpful in designing new molecularly targeted treatment approaches for GVHD.

SUBMITTER: Ma HH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3061826 | biostudies-other | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other