These contradictoryfunctions of STAT proteins mandate further needs research before beingconsidered as therapeutic targets.95 Overall,STAT1 may play pathogenic as well as protective roles in RA synovitis.STAT3 may be a novel target in specific cell types, such as synovialfibroblasts and lymphocytes, but not in macrophages, where it is anti-inflammatory. The gene discussed is STAT3; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.