STAT3 Gene Plays a Significant Role in Activating B Cells of the Immune System

Recent studies have helped understand the mechanism behind immune memory. The STAT3 gene has been found to be largely responsible for activating the B cells of the immune system that are responsible for the creation of antibodies. Once the body is infected by a disease the STAT3 gene sends a message to the B cell triggering the production of the right quantities of the antibody required to fight the disease. This message is retained in the memory of the cells called the ‘memory B cells’ so that the same action can be taken if the body is faced with the same infection again. Cells not exposed to infection are known as ‘naïve cells’. Mutations in the STAT3 gene cause the rare immunodeficiency disorder called Hyper IgE Syndrome. In this disorder although antibodies are produced they cannot fight infections. In such patients very strong chemical signals are necessary for the ‘naïve cells’ to start producing antibodies. STAT3 gene is responsible for the formation of memory cells thus the body’s ability to fight disease.