Cell type-specific STAT3 activation by gp130-related cytokines in the peripheral nerves.

Nerve injury-induced activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in sensory neurons and Schwann cells has been implicated in peripheral nerve regeneration. In this study, we investigated the role of gp130-related cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in STAT3 activation in dorsal root ganglion neurons, Schwann cells, and endoneurial fibroblasts. We found that IL-6, but not CNTF or LIF, activated STAT3 in Schwann cells. However, CNTF and LIF, but not IL-6, activated STAT3 in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Furthermore, LIF was the primary activator of STAT3 in endoneurial fibroblasts. These findings indicate that gp130 cytokines may have cell type-specific roles in peripheral nerve regeneration.