Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 7, 2026

Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice
Published on: June 22, 2016
Targeting the JAK/STAT pathway in chronic viral infections: opportunities and challenges for immunomodulation
Nathalie Garnier1, Julia Ossi2, Vincent C Marconi3,4,5,6
1Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Abstract:
The discovery of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway as a key regulator of immune function and inflammation led to the development of JAK inhibitors (JAK-i), several of which are now approved for autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. Recently, JAK-i have been repurposed for infectious diseases, most notably with baricitinib, a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved JAK1/2 inhibitor for individuals hospitalized for COVID-19, demonstrating a survival benefit by dampening cytokine-mediated hyperinflammation. This has generated increased interest in leveraging JAK-i for treating people with viral infections associated with chronic immune activation, inflammation or viral persistence. This review summarizes JAK/STAT signaling in viral infections characterized by latency or chronic sequelae. We explore how modulation of this pathway may alter immune responses, impact viral control, and mitigate the consequences of chronic inflammation. We also critically examine the therapeutic potential and limitations of JAK-i in these contexts. Finally, we outline key gaps in the field and propose future directions for research into JAK/STAT targeted immunomodulation in chronic viral infections.
Related Concept Videos
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
