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The Roles of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK) in Infectious Diseases

Jing Chen1, Chao Ye1, Chao Wan1

  • 1Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Animal Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), a type of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), are vital in cell processes and infectious diseases. Understanding JNK signaling offers new therapeutic targets for infections.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), a subset of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), regulate fundamental cellular functions like apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation.
  • Microbial pathogens exploit host cell signaling pathways for replication, highlighting the potential involvement of JNKs in infectious disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the signaling mechanisms of MAPKs and JNKs in apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammasome activation.
  • To review the multifaceted roles of JNK signaling in infectious diseases caused by diverse pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites).
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting JNK pathways for treating infectious diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of JNK involvement in cellular processes.
  • Synthesis of data on JNKs in various infectious diseases.

Main Results:

  • JNK signaling is integral to apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammasome activation.
  • JNK pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections.
  • JNKs represent promising therapeutic targets for infectious disease interventions.

Conclusions:

  • The JNK signaling pathway plays a critical role in the host response to and pathogenesis of infectious diseases.
  • Targeting JNKs offers a potential strategy for developing novel anti-infective therapies.
  • Further research into JNK signaling in infectious diseases is warranted for improved prevention and treatment strategies.
Keywords:
JNKJNK inhibitorsapoptosisautophagyinfectious diseases

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