The goal of the Cytokine Signaling Group is contributing to the better understanding of molecular and immunological mechanisms of allergy and autoimmune diseases from the view points of signal transduction within the immune system. To this end, we are continuing our exploration of various aspects of cytokine signaling cascades related to Interleukin (IL)-6 and the IL-6 receptor, focusing especially on STAT3, members of the Gab family and, most recently, zinc (Zn) related signaling. Research activities are focused on the immune system and, especially, the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of mast cell functions, including degarnulation and cytokine productions in relation to allergy, autoimmune disease and inflammation. The laboratory also studies immunological and molecular mechanisms of IL-6/IL-6 family cytokine-mediated immune responses in health and disease.