**Background of STAT4 Antibody**
STAT4 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 4) is a member of the STAT protein family, which plays a critical role in cytokine-mediated signaling pathways. It is primarily activated by cytokines such as interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23. triggering phosphorylation and dimerization to regulate gene expression. STAT4 is essential for the differentiation and function of T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, influencing immune responses against pathogens and contributing to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Antibodies targeting STAT4 are widely used in research to detect its expression, phosphorylation status, and localization in cells or tissues. These antibodies enable techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry, aiding in studies of immune regulation, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic targeting. STAT4’s structure includes an SH2 domain critical for protein interactions and a tyrosine residue (Y693) essential for activation. Genetic polymorphisms in *STAT4* have been linked to increased disease susceptibility, making its study clinically relevant.
As dysregulated STAT4 signaling is implicated in autoimmunity and inflammation, STAT4 antibodies also serve as tools for developing diagnostics and evaluating inhibitors in preclinical models. Their specificity and reliability are vital for understanding STAT4’s role in health and disease.