Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SOCS1 gene.[5][6] SOCS1 orthologs[7] have been identified in several mammals for which complete genome data are available.
This gene encodes a member of the STAT-induced STAT inhibitor (SSI), also known as suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS), family. SSI family members are cytokine-inducible negative regulators of cytokine signaling. The expression of this gene can be induced by a subset of cytokines, including IL2, IL3 erythropoietin (EPO), GM-CSF, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). The protein encoded by this gene functions downstream of cytokine receptors, and takes part in a negative feedback loop to attenuate cytokine signaling. Knockout studies in mice suggested the role of this gene as a modulator of IFN-γ action, which is required for normal postnatal growth and survival.[8]
Several recent viral studies have shown that viral genes, such as Tax gene product (Tax), encoded by HTLV-1, could hijack SOCS1 to inhibit host antiviral pathways, as a strategy to evade host immunity.[9]
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.