In most cells studied so far, interferon‐α (IFN‐α) activates signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat1), Stat2 and Stat3, whereas interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) induces Stat1 only. In general, each of the several dozens of cytokines, growth factors and hormones that signal through the Janus kinases‐signal transducers and activators of transcription (Jak‐STAT) pathway activates a distinct subset of STATs, and this selectivity is thought to be essential for the specificity of the cellular responses toward these ligands. Here, we have studied the pattern of STAT activation in the human lymphoblastoid cell line Daudi in response to IFN‐α. In addition to Stat1, Stat2 and Stat3 activation, IFN‐α was found to directly induce activation of Stat5 and Stat6. Cell‐type‐specific activation of additional STATs could be responsible for cell‐type‐specific responses to IFN‐α.