“The IFN-γ-STAT1-CXCL10 Axis Drives Melanocyte Destruction.”
IFNγ signals through the IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR), which then requires JAK1 and JAK2 to phosphorylate the transcription factor STAT-1. Phosphorylated STAT1 homodimerizes and then translocates into the nucleus where IFN-γ-dependent genes, including CXCL9 and CXCL10, are transcribed(47). Autoreactive CXCR3-expressing CD8+ T cells follow these ligands to the skin where they kill melanocytes(46).