STAT3 operates as an inflammation-dependent transcriptional switch in antiviral NK cells.

STAT3 functions as an inflammation-dependent transcriptional switch in antiviral NK cells, with its activity varying based on IL-15 or type I interferon signals during MCMV infection.

• Why it matters: Understanding how STAT3's context-dependent roles influence NK cell responses is crucial for deciphering immune regulation during viral infections, which may inform therapeutic strategies.
• What they did: The study examined mouse NK cells during MCMV infection, revealing that STAT3 is recruited to different genomic loci depending on cytokine availability, and regulates transcription factors MYB and BLIMP-1 through epigenetic mechanisms.
• The result: Findings suggest that STAT3's relocation and activity enable NK cells to adapt their responses to the inflammatory environment, highlighting its role as a cytokine-sensing transcriptional switch in antiviral immunity.