SOCS3 binds specific receptor–JAK complexes to control cytokine signaling by direct kinase inhibition

The inhibitory protein SOCS3 plays a key role in the immune and hematopoietic systems by regulating signaling induced by specific cytokines. SOCS3 functions by inhibiting the catalytic activity of Janus Kinases (JAKs) that initiate signaling within the cell. We determined the crystal structure of a ternary complex between murine SOCS3, JAK2 (kinase domain) and a fragment of the IL-6 receptor β-chain. The structure shows that SOCS3 binds JAK2 and receptor simultaneously, using two opposing surfaces. Whilst the phosphotyrosine-binding groove on the SOCS3 SH2 domain is occupied by receptor, JAK2 binds in a phospho-independent manner to a non-canonical surface. The kinase inhibitory region of SOCS3 occludes the substrate-binding groove on JAK2 and biochemical studies show it blocks substrate association. These studies reveal that SOCS3 targets specific JAK-cytokine receptor pairs and explains the mechanism and specificity of SOCS action.