scholarly journals Role of Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitor in Autoimmune Ocular Inflammation: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Ji Wen ◽  
Huifang Hu ◽  
Menglin Chen ◽  
Hang Yang ◽  
Yi Zhao ◽  
...  

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for the treatment of patients with autoimmune disease and associated inflammatory ocular diseases. Methods. We identified relevant literature by screening the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case controls, and case reports. Results. Seven studies, including 11 patients, were included in the final systematic analysis. Of the 11 patients, there were 5 cases of juvenile idiopathic arthritis- (JIA-) associated uveitis, 1 case of rheumatoid arthritis- (RA-) associated keratitis, 1 case of RA-associated scleritis, 1 case of psoriasis-associated conjunctivitis, 2 cases of noninfectious scleritis, and 1 case of uveitis with suspected autoimmune disease. None of these 11 patients responded adequately to conventional treatments, including biological agents; these were all refractory cases and switched to JAK inhibitor therapy. Irrespective of whether they were suffering from uveitis, scleritis, or other types of ocular inflammation, all 11 patients showed an improvement to JAK inhibitors without significant side effects. Different types of JAK inhibitors might be associated with different responses when used to treat ocular inflammation. Conclusions. JAK inhibitors may represent an alternative treatment option for patients with autoimmune ocular inflammation.

2021 ◽  
pp. 190-194
Author(s):  
Sineida Berbert Ferreira ◽  
Rachel Berbert Ferreira ◽  
Afonso Cesar Neves Neto ◽  
Silvana Martins Caparroz Assef ◽  
Morton Scheinberg

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease presenting with areas of depigmentation. Recent reports suggest that Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may be an effective therapy. In this case report, we show our experience with an adolescent patient with a long history of generalized and refractory vitiligo, for which treatment with topical tofacitinib, a JAK inhibitor, associated with phototherapy for 9 months, resulted in near complete repigmentation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S409-S409
Author(s):  
A Clarke ◽  
J Di Paolo ◽  
B Downie ◽  
A Meng ◽  
N Mollova ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Inhibitors of the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Differences in selectivity of JAK inhibitors for JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2 may influence their respective safety profiles, and the mechanisms responsible are not currently known. Filgotinib (FIL), a JAK1 inhibitor, did not negatively impact haemoglobin, LDL:HDL ratios or natural killer (NK) cell counts in clinical trials. Here, we compare the in vitro mechanistic profiles of four JAK inhibitors at clinically relevant doses. Methods JAK inhibitors (FIL, FIL metabolite [GS-829845], baricitinib [BARI], tofacitinib [TOFA], and upadacitinib [UPA]) were evaluated in vitro in human-cell-based assays. Growth of erythroid progenitors from human cord blood CD34+ cells was assessed using a HemaTox™ liquid expansion assay, NK cell proliferation was induced by IL-15 and LXR agonist-induced cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) expression was assessed in the hepatic cell line, HepG2. Using assay-generated IC50 values and the reported human plasma concentrations from clinical studies, we calculated the target coverage for each JAK inhibitor at clinically relevant doses. The activity of FIL in humans was based on PK/PD modelling of FIL + GS-829845. Results Inhibition of cellular activity was calculated for each JAK inhibitor based on in vitro dose-response data, human exposure data and modelled PK/PD relationships. At clinically relevant doses, FIL resulted in lower calculated inhibition of NK cell proliferation compared with other JAK inhibitors. FIL 100 mg and 200 mg also reduced CETP expression, whereas other JAK inhibitors had no effect. There was no difference in the effect of FIL vs. other JAK inhibitors on erythroid progenitor cell differentiation or maturation. Conclusion FIL, a JAK1 inhibitor, resulted in less inhibition of NK cell proliferation compared with BARI, TOFA, and UPA. FIL also reduced LXR agonist-induced CETP expression, while the other inhibitors did not alter these levels. These results provide a potential mechanistic link between the observed reduction of CETP concentration following FIL treatment and the previously observed reduction in the LDL:HDL ratio in RA patients.


Author(s):  
Lucas Walz ◽  
Avi J. Cohen ◽  
Andre P. Rebaza ◽  
James Vanchieri ◽  
Martin D. Slade ◽  
...  

Background Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected over 17 million. Novel therapies are urgently needed. Janus-kinase (JAK) inhibitors and Type I interferons have emerged as potential antiviral candidates for COVID-19 patients for their proven efficacy against diseases with excessive cytokine release and by their ability to promote viral clearance in past coronaviruses, respectively. We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis to evaluate role of these therapies in COVID-19 patients. Methods MEDLINE and MedRxiv were searched until July 30th, 2020, including studies that compared treatment outcomes of humans treated with JAK-inhibitor or Type I interferon against controls. Inclusion necessitated data with clear risk estimates or those that permitted back-calculation. Results We searched 733 studies, ultimately including four randomized and eleven non-randomized clinical trials. JAK-inhibitor recipients had significantly reduced odds of mortality (OR, 0.12; 95%CI, 0.03-0.39, p=0.0005) and ICU admission (OR, 0.05; 95%CI, 0.01-0.26, p=0.0005), and had significantly increased odds of hospital discharge (OR, 22.76; 95%CI, 10.68-48.54, p<0.00001), when compared to standard treatment group. Type I interferon recipients had significantly reduced odds of mortality (OR, 0.19; 95%CI, 0.04-0.85, p=0.03), and increased odds of discharge bordering significance (OR, 1.89; 95%CI, 1.00-3.59, p=0.05). Conclusions JAK-inhibitor treatment is significantly associated with positive clinical outcomes regarding mortality, ICU admission, and discharge. Type I interferon treatment is associated with positive clinical outcomes regarding mortality and discharge. While these data show promise, additional randomized clinical trials are needed to further elucidate the efficacy of JAK-inhibitors and Type I interferons and clinical outcomes in COVID-19.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 298-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Relke ◽  
Melinda Gooderham

Vitiligo is a common acquired depigmenting disorder characterized by the development of white macules and patches due to the loss of melanocytes. Patients with vitiligo can be stigmatized by society, making the disease a source of psychological stress that can considerably affect quality of life. The goal of vitiligo treatment is to obtain skin repigmentation in the majority of cases, and less commonly to depigment the remaining normal skin. There is no consistent, long-term, durable therapy for vitiligo for all patients, highlighting the unmet need for new safe and effective therapies to control this disease. Recently, JAK inhibitors have been explored as a promising novel treatment option in vitiligo. The JAK and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway is an attractive therapeutic target because IFN-γ–dependent cytokines produced through this pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of disease. This literature review describes vitiligo pathophysiology, explains the usefulness of the JAK inhibitors for treatment, and summarizes published case reports, case series, and open-label studies. Research outlined here shows JAK inhibitors in patients with vitiligo have a favorable safety profile and effectively produce repigmentation of lesions, especially with concomitant ultraviolet exposure. Additional studies are required to confirm efficacy, establish safety, and investigate durability of repigmentation.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 3105-3105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naveen Pemmaraju ◽  
Bing Z Carter ◽  
Hagop M. Kantarjian ◽  
Jorge E. Cortes ◽  
Tapan M. Kadia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: There is no standard therapy for patients (pts) with intermediate (Int)-2 or high risk myelofibrosis (MF) who have failed or are intolerant to Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors such as ruxolitinib. Second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetics, or inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) antagonists, lead to increased apoptotic cancer cell death, especially in high TNFα-expressing tumor models. An emerging concept in myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) tumor pathobiology is the finding of significantly increased levels of TNFαin pts with MF(Fleischman AG et al, Blood 2011). Objectives: Primary objective: to determine efficacy (IWG-MRT, 2013) of LCL161 as monotherapy for pts with MF. Secondary objectives: to determine safety, durability of response, and changes in symptom burden [Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN)-Total Symptom Score]. Exploratory objectives: to assess JAK2V617F and CALR allele burden; 28-gene panel for molecular mutations via next generation sequencing; and markers of IAP pathway degradation. Methods: We conducted an investigator-initiated, single-center, phase II study of LCL161 for pts with MF in a Simon's Optimal two-stage design. Pts age ≥18, PS=0-2, Int to high risk MF, who were intolerant to, ineligible for, or relapsed/refractory to JAK inhibitors were eligible. There was no threshold requirement for spleen size or platelet (plt) count, and pts with prior allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) were eligible. LCL161, an oral (po) drug, was given at starting dose 1500mg po once weekly. Each cycle=28 days. After 3 cycles, bone marrow exam and objective response assessments were performed. Results: From January 2015 to July 2016, 21 pts have been enrolled. Baseline characteristics: Median Age: 72 years [56-81], 86% with primary MF. Baseline laboratory values: Hb 9 g/dL (6.3-12); WBC 5.3 K/uL [1.1-38]; platelets 45 K/uL [6-1365]. JAK2V617F mutations were present in 14(67%), CALR mutations in 3(14%), and MPLW515L mutation in 1(5%) pt. Additionally, the most common other molecular mutations were: TET2(n=4); DNMT3A(n=3); RAS(n=1); EZH2(n=1). 17 (81%) had ≥2 prior therapies. Most common prior therapy was a JAK inhibitor (67%). 2 pts had prior SCT. By IPSS, 14 (67%) were high risk MF; 6(28%) were Int-2. Median number of cycles received=3[1-19], median treatment duration=2.8 months (mos)[0.2-16.7]. 19 pts are alive, with median follow-up of 7 mos[0.2-17.7]. Among 21 pts, 5 have been recently enrolled and have not yet reached 12-week evaluation period; among 16 evaluable pts, 6 pts had 9 objective responses (3 pts achieved 2 separate IWG-MRT 2013 response categories): Clinical improvement (CI) (anemia) in 2 pts; CI (Symptom) in 5 pts; CI (Spleen) in 1 pt; Cytogenetic remission in 1 pt. Grade 3/4 non-hematologic adverse events: syncope, n=2. No pts had cytokine release syndrome. Most common grade 1/2 non-hematologic toxicities: fatigue (n=10), nausea (n=10), dizziness/vertigo (n=9). Dose reductions: 7 pts: 6 pts to dose -1 level (1200 mg po once weekly) and 1 pt to dose -2 (900mg po once weekly); importantly, the most common reason was due to grade 2 fatigue (n=6). 10 pts are now off study [n=5 no response; n=3 toxicity; n=1 transformation to AML; n=1 patient on study proceeded to SCT]. Preliminary, ongoing correlative studies demonstrate on-target inhibition (by Western blot) of CIAP1 in eight pts: strong (n=4) or moderate (n=4); among the 6 clinically responding pts, 4 of 4 of these pts with viable/available samples for analysis demonstrated strong on-target CIAP1 inhibition. Conclusions: In this study, in a cohort of older pts with MF, 67% IPSS high risk, with median plt count of 45 at study entry, in whom 81% had received ≥2 prior therapies, we have observed objective responses in 38% (6/16 evaluable for response). LCL161 has a convenient (po, weekly) dosing schedule, represents a novel target for pts with MPNs, and is able to be administered to pts who have failed or intolerant/ineligible for JAK inhibitor therapy. Notably, grade 2 fatigue was commonly observed, and represents the most common reason for dose reduction and study discontinuation. Based on early responses observed, this study has met criteria for the pre-planned analysis for efficacy (Simon Stage 1) and therefore is able to proceed to Simon Stage 2. This clinical trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02098161. Disclosures Carter: PRISM Pharma/Eisai: Research Funding. Cortes:ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding. DiNardo:Daiichi Sankyo: Other: advisory board, Research Funding; Novartis: Other: advisory board, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Agios: Other: advisory board, Research Funding. Bose:Novartis: Research Funding. Verstovsek:Incyte Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Geron: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; CTI BioPharma Corp: Research Funding; Galena BioPharma: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Lilly Oncology: Research Funding.


2001 ◽  
Vol 193 (4) ◽  
pp. 471-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asuka Suzuki ◽  
Toshikatsu Hanada ◽  
Keiichi Mitsuyama ◽  
Takafumi Yoshida ◽  
Shintaro Kamizono ◽  
...  

Immune and inflammatory systems are controlled by multiple cytokines, including interleukins (ILs) and interferons. These cytokines exert their biological functions through Janus tyrosine kinases and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) transcription factors. We recently identified two intrinsic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, JAK binding protein (JAB; also referred to as suppressor of cytokine signaling [SOCS1]/STAT-induced STAT inhibitor [SSI1]) and cytokine-inducible SH2 protein (CIS)3 (or SOCS3/SSI3), which play an essential role in the negative regulation of cytokine signaling. We have investigated the role of STATs and these JAK inhibitors in intestinal inflammation. Among STAT family members, STAT3 was most strongly tyrosine phosphorylated in human ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients as well as in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Development of colitis as well as STAT3 activation was significantly reduced in IL-6–deficient mice treated with DSS, suggesting that STAT3 plays an important role in the perpetuation of colitis. CIS3, but not JAB, was highly expressed in the colon of DSS-treated mice as well as several T cell–dependent colitis models. To define the physiological role of CIS3 induction in colitis, we developed a JAB mutant (F59D-JAB) that overcame the inhibitory effect of both JAB and CIS3 and created transgenic mice. DSS induced stronger STAT3 activation and more severe colitis in F59D-JAB transgenic mice than in their wild-type littermates. These data suggest that hyperactivation of STAT3 results in severe colitis and that CIS3 plays a negative regulatory role in intestinal inflammation by downregulating STAT3 activity.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2891
Author(s):  
Prithviraj Bose ◽  
Lucia Masarova ◽  
Srdan Verstovsek

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition forms the cornerstone of the treatment of myelofibrosis (MF), and the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib is often used as a second-line agent in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) who fail hydroxyurea (HU). In addition, ruxolitinib continues to be studied in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET). The benefits of JAK inhibition in terms of splenomegaly and symptoms in patients with MF are undeniable, and ruxolitinib prolongs the survival of persons with higher risk MF. Despite this, however, “disease-modifying” effects of JAK inhibitors in MF, i.e., bone marrow fibrosis and mutant allele burden reduction, are limited. Similarly, in HU-resistant/intolerant PV, while ruxolitinib provides excellent control of the hematocrit, symptoms and splenomegaly, reduction in the rate of thromboembolic events has not been convincingly demonstrated. Furthermore, JAK inhibitors do not prevent disease evolution to MF or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Frontline cytoreductive therapy for PV generally comprises HU and interferons, which have their own limitations. Numerous novel agents, representing diverse mechanisms of action, are in development for the treatment of these three classic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). JAK inhibitor-based combinations, all of which are currently under study for MF, have been covered elsewhere in this issue. In this article, we focus on agents that have been studied as monotherapy in patients with MF, generally after JAK inhibitor resistance/intolerance, as well as several novel compounds in development for PV/ET.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 1759720X2093605
Author(s):  
Flavia Sunzini ◽  
Iain McInnes ◽  
Stefan Siebert

Currently, there is a growing interest in Janus kinase (JAK) intracellular signalling since targeted inhibitors against these pathways are proving effective in the treatment of a range of immune-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), inflammatory bowel disease and atopic dermatitis. In particular, post marketing experience and the increasing development of new pharmacological inhibitors of broad and increasingly selective JAK pathways provide new insights into the JAK pathway role in viral infections as well as their pathogenic role in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Herein we provide an overview of the biological role of JAK signalling and its role in immunity against viruses, with particular regard to herpes zoster reactivation. Thereafter, we will discuss the evidence currently available on the principal JAK inhibitors and their association with viral infections.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (19) ◽  
pp. 4307
Author(s):  
Sylwia Słuczanowska-Głąbowska ◽  
Anna Ziegler-Krawczyk ◽  
Kamila Szumilas ◽  
Andrzej Pawlik

Janus kinases inhibitors are molecules that target Janus kinases—signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT). They inhibit this intracellular signal pathway, blocking the gene transcription of crucial proinflammatory cytokines that play a central role in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis. This process reduces psoriatic inflammation. The JAK inhibitors are divided into two generations. The first generation of JAK inhibitors blocks two or more different Janus kinases. The second generation is more specified and blocks only one type of Janus kinase and has less side effects than the first generation. Tofacitinib, ruxolitinib and baricitinib belong to first generation JAK inhibitors and decernotinib and filgotinib belong to second group. This narrative review summarizes the role of Janus kinase inhibitors in the therapy of psoriasis. Oral JAK inhibitors show promise for efficacy and safety in the treatment of psoriasis. Studies to date do not indicate that JAK inhibitors are superior to recent biologic drugs in terms of efficacy. However, JAK inhibitors, due to their lack of increased incidence of side effects compared to other biologic drugs, can be included in the psoriasis treatment algorithm because they are orally taken. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to evaluate long-term treatment effects with these drugs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-108
Author(s):  
Sun Hee Jang ◽  
Ji Hyeon Ju

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory destructive disorder that affects the joints, muscles, and tendons accompanying various extra-articular manifestations. Traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) represent the basic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Over the last 20 years, biologic DMARDs (tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, interleukin-1 inhibitors, interleukin-6 inhibitors, T cell inhibitors, and B cell inhibitors) have been widely used as a novel class of DMARDs that have efficacy and efficiency. Discovery of the underlying pathogenesis of autoimmune disease enables us to develop new target therapies such as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Activated JAK is known to activate signal transducers as well as activators of transcription (STAT) signaling. A JAK inhibitor is a type of medication that functions by inhibiting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. In addition, it is easy to take a JAK inhibitor orally. In Korea, several JAK inhibitors have been approved. This review describes the types of JAK inhibitors, recommended doses, side effects, and updated European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology guidelines. Clinicians should more often consider JAK inhibitors in the treatment of refractory rheumatoid arthritis in current rheumatology clinics


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document