Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 Regulates Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice via Suppression of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Production and Signaling.

Our data emphasize that rigid MWCNTs produce much stronger immune and fibrogenic responses than tangled MWCNTs and that these effects are exaggerated by STAT1 deficiency, highlighting the importance of tube rigidity and genetic susceptibility. The mechanism of STAT1 susceptibility to MWCNTs-induced fibrosis appears to be through dysregulated transforming growth factor-β1 production and signaling.