In the human genome, STAT6 protein is encoded by the STAT6 gene, located on the chromosome 12q13.3-q14.1. The gene encompasses over 19 kb and consists of 23 exons. STAT6 shares structural similarity with the other STAT proteins and is composed of the N-terminal domain, DNA binding domain, SH3- like domain, SH2 domain and transactivation domain (TAD).
STAT proteins are activated by the Janus family (JAKs) tyrosine kinases in response to cytokine exposure. STAT6 is activated by cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) with their receptors that both contain the α subunit of the IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα). Tyrosine phosporylation of STAT6 after stimulation by IL-4 results in the formation of STAT6 homodimers that bind specific DNA elements via a DNA-binding domain.