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Identification of Mediators of T-cell Receptor Signaling via the Screening of Chemical Inhibitor Libraries
Published on: January 22, 2019
Allosteric inhibitors of the STAT3 signaling pathway
Junhong Qin1, Xiaofei Shen1, Jian Zhang2
1Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Paediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
Abstract:
Over-expression and/or hyperactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling are found in various human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, STAT3 represents a highly promising therapeutic target for the treatment of these diseases. However, the traditional orthosteric inhibitors of STAT3 exhibit limited clinical efficacy, with low selectivity, numerous side effects, and emerging acquired resistance. Allosteric inhibitors targeting STAT3 or its upstream molecules have emerged as a promising approach to overcome these barriers. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the development of these inhibitors as well as their applications.
Insights
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a therapeutic target for diseases like cancer. Allosteric inhibitors offer a promising approach to overcome limitations of traditional STAT3 inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling is implicated in cancer, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases.
- STAT3 is a promising therapeutic target due to its role in various pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the development of allosteric inhibitors of STAT3.
- To discuss the applications of these novel inhibitors in treating diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical data on STAT3 inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Traditional orthosteric STAT3 inhibitors show limited clinical efficacy due to low selectivity, side effects, and resistance.
- Allosteric inhibitors targeting STAT3 or its upstream molecules present a promising alternative.
Conclusions:
- Allosteric inhibition is a viable strategy to overcome the limitations of orthosteric STAT3 inhibitors.
- Further development of allosteric STAT3 inhibitors holds potential for treating various human diseases.
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