STAT4 Gene

What is the STAT4 gene?

STAT4 encodes signal transducer and activator of transcription 4, a protein involved in IL-12 and IFN-alpha signaling. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the JAK-STAT Pathway biological cluster. STAT4 mediates IL-12 and IFN-alpha signals to drive Th1 differentiation and natural killer cell activation.

Biological role and pathway

STAT4 is involved in the IL-12 and IFN-alpha signaling pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the JAK-STAT Pathway cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.

Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function in these systems — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.

Known genetic variants

The following variants (SNPs) in the STAT4 gene have been studied in relation to immune signaling and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

• rs7574865— STAT4 variant
• rs7582694— STAT4 variant

Conditions studied in relation to STAT4

Research into STAT4 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that STAT4 causes or treats any condition.

Genetic insights from DNA data

Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may include STAT4 and related genes in the jak-stat pathway pathway.

The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

Related genes in the JAK-STAT Pathway pathway

STAT4 does not act in isolation. The following genes are functionally related and may be analysed together for a more complete picture of your genetic predispositions.

Frequently asked questions