Open AccessJAK out of the Box; The Rationale behind Janus Kinase Inhibitors in the COVID-19 setting, and their potential in obese and diabetic populations
Author(s) -
Rahma Menshawey,
Esraa Menshawey,
Ayman H. K. Alserr,
Antoine AbdelMassih
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
cardiovascular endocrinology and metabolism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.498
H-Index - 8
ISSN - 2574-0954
DOI - 10.1097/xce.0000000000000237
Subject(s) - janus kinase , medicine , tofacitinib , jak stat signaling pathway , bioinformatics , immunology , pharmacology , tyrosine kinase , biology , receptor , rheumatoid arthritis
The adaptive use of Janus kinase (JAK)-inhibitors has been suggested by rheumatology experts in the management of COVID-19. We recount the rationale behind their use in this setting, and the current evidence for and against their use in this review. JAK-inhibitors role in COVID-19 infection appears to be multifaceted, including preventing viral endocytosis and dampening the effect of excessive chemokines. This drug class may be able to achieve these effects at already preapproved dosages. Concerns arise regarding reactivation of latent viral infections and the feasibility of their use in those with severe disease. Most interestingly, JAK-Inhibitors may also have an additional advantage for diabetic and obese populations, where the dysregulation of JAK-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway may be responsible for their increased risk of poor outcomes. Targeting this pathway may provide a therapeutic advantage for these patient groups.