The Jak-STAT pathway stimulated by interleukin 6.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is widely expressed and activated by a variety of growth-regulating signals as well as diverse cytokines that use gp130 signaling receptors. STAT3 is critical for embryonic development and stem cell biology, as well as inflammation, growth regulation, and multiple immune regulatory and homeostatic functions. The animation shows activation of STAT3 in response to interleukin 6 (IL6), a cytokine involved in triggering inflammation.