JAK Inhibitors May Weaken Immune Barriers, Facilitating Viral Spread
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have discovered that Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs widely prescribed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, may inadvertently facilitate the spread of dangerous viruses. The study, published in NAR Molecular Medicine, indicates that these medications suppress specific immune signaling pathways and gene activities that normally protect cells from viral infection. This suppression can leave patients more vulnerable to pathogens such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, and Rift Valley fever virus. While the drugs are effective for managing inflammation, the findings suggest a significant trade-off: they may compromise innate antiviral defenses, potentially allowing viruses to establish infections and propagate more easily within the body. The researchers recommend caution when prescribing these medications during periods of high viral transmission or for patients with active or latent infections.