JAK-STAT signaling controls how our bodies respond to cytokines like interferons. Normally, JAKs activate STATs by adding phosphates to them, leading to the creation of specific transcription factors. However, recent studies have shown that JAKs can work without their kinase activity, and STATs can affect gene expression without being phosphorylated. Some STAT complexes don't fit the usual models and play a role in the immune response to infections. Also, proteins in the interferon pathway have other jobs, like regulating metabolism and natural killer cell function.