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Updated: May 26, 2026

A Guide to Production, Crystallization, and Structure Determination of Human IKK1/α
Published on: November 2, 2018
The many faces of Janus kinase
Matthew M Seavey1, Pawel Dobrzanski
1Cephalon, Inc., Drug Discovery Research, 145 Brandywine Parkway, West Chester, PA 19380, USA. matthew.seavey@gmail.com
Abstract:
Janus kinases have proved to be essential for many immunological processes but there is growing evidence that they also play a critical role in pathogenesis of many diseases including inflammatory diseases and cancer where they promote multiple steps of tumorigenesis. Several companies are in late stage clinical programs for the development of JAK kinase inhibitors and the first small molecule JAK inhibitor, Jakafi® (ruxolitinib) has been just approved for treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms. Several other molecules are on the rise to treat arthritis, psoriasis and multiple types of cancer. This commentary will provide a review of the JAK kinase field as it pertains to small molecule inhibition for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases with an emphasis on JAK2. The use of experimental and clinical inhibitors of JAK will be discussed for solid tumor and hematological malignancies, lupus, arthritis, colitis, neurological disorders, pain, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, it will review current paradigms in the field and treatment programs which could be complemented by small molecule inhibitors of Janus kinase.
Insights
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors show promise for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. This review covers JAK inhibitors, including JAK2, for various conditions like arthritis, cancer, and lupus.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Janus kinases (JAKs) are crucial for immune responses.
- JAKs are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and cancer.
- The first JAK inhibitor, Jakafi® (ruxolitinib), is approved for myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of small molecule JAK inhibitors in treating cancer and autoimmune diseases.
- To emphasize JAK2 inhibition for therapeutic applications.
- To discuss the use of JAK inhibitors in various conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on JAK kinase inhibitors.
- Discussion of experimental and clinical data.
- Analysis of therapeutic applications in oncology and autoimmune disorders.
Main Results:
- JAK inhibitors are in late-stage clinical development for various diseases.
- JAK2 is a key target for small molecule inhibitors.
- JAK inhibitors show potential for treating solid tumors, hematological malignancies, lupus, arthritis, colitis, and other conditions.
Conclusions:
- Small molecule JAK inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy.
- JAK inhibition can complement existing treatment programs for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
- Further research and clinical application of JAK inhibitors are warranted.
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