Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Scaled-Up Preparation of an Intermediate of Upatinib, ACT051-3
08:36

Scaled-Up Preparation of an Intermediate of Upatinib, ACT051-3

Published on: April 7, 2023

1.4K

Janus kinase inhibitors: A therapeutic strategy for cancer and autoimmune diseases

Arezoo Hosseini1,2,3,4, Tohid Gharibi1,2,3,4, Faroogh Marofi2

  • 1Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Journal of Cellular Physiology
|February 20, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways are key in cancer and autoimmune diseases. Small-molecule JAK inhibitors offer a promising therapeutic strategy for these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cytokines are critical in driving cancers and autoimmune conditions.
  • The Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways mediate cytokine signaling.
  • Genetic variations in the JAK-STAT pathway are linked to increased risks of cancer, autoimmunity, and inflammatory diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of JAK-STAT pathways in disease.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting JAKs and STATs.
  • To discuss small-molecule JAK inhibitors as a novel drug class.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cytokines, JAK-STAT signaling, and JAK inhibitors.
  • Analysis of genetic correlations between JAK-STAT variations and disease risk.
  • Examination of clinical trial data for JAK inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • JAK-STAT pathway dysregulation is implicated in various cancers and autoimmune diseases.
  • Targeting JAKs and STATs presents a viable therapeutic approach.
  • Tofacitinib, a JAK inhibitor, is approved for rheumatoid arthritis, with others in development.

Conclusions:

  • Small-molecule JAK inhibitors represent a significant advancement in treating cancer and immune-mediated diseases.
  • Targeting the JAK-STAT pathway offers a safe and effective treatment strategy.
  • Further research and clinical trials are ongoing for various JAK inhibitors.
Keywords:
Janus kinase inhibitorsautoimmune diseasescancernovel treatment strategy

More Related Videos

A Method for Screening and Validation of Resistant Mutations Against Kinase Inhibitors12:40

A Method for Screening and Validation of Resistant Mutations Against Kinase Inhibitors

Published on: December 7, 2014

15.1K
Assessment of Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors by an Interrogation of Signal Transduction Pathways by Antibody Arrays07:42

Assessment of Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors by an Interrogation of Signal Transduction Pathways by Antibody Arrays

Published on: September 19, 2018

8.2K

Related Concept Videos

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway01:20

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as  SH2...
11.6K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.6K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
5.5K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.8K
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a...
5.1K
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors01:27

Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors

Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors acting as an enzyme or associating with an enzyme intracellularly. They make excellent drug targets. Drugs can bind to the extracellular ligand-binding domain or directly affect their enzymatic domain and alter their activity.
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
3.7K