NTNU Researchers: JAK Inhibitors May Increase Viral Susceptibility
Janus kinase inhibitors, widely prescribed medications used to control inflammation in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, may weaken the body’s immune defense against viral infections including influenza and COVID-19, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology revealed in findings published in NAR Molecular Medicine.
Key Clinical Takeaways:
- Janus kinase inhibitors suppress a key immune signaling pathway, which reduces the activity of genes required to fight viral infections.
- Laboratory experiments involving cell models from lungs, eyes, and brain showed that drugs like baricitinib make it easier for viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A to infect cells and spread.
- Researchers recommend that physicians exercise caution when prescribing these anti-inflammatory drugs during periods of high viral transmission.
JAK Inhibitors May Increase Viral Infection Risk
Medicines are designed to treat illnesses and alleviate symptoms, but some produce unintended side effects that put patients at risk. Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology discovered that a widely used class of anti-inflammatory drugs may make it easier for specific viruses to infect cells and spread throughout the body, according to a report published by Science Daily.
These drugs belong to a class known as Janus kinase inhibitors, or JAK inhibitors, which are prescribed extensively to control inflammation. Their impact on the immune system, however, can leave the body more vulnerable to viral pathogens.
Kainov explained that viruses which infect the body more easily with the help of these medications include Rift Valley fever virus, influenza A, adenoviruses, and the virus that causes COVID-19, known as SARS-CoV-2. Because these pathogens cause severe illness, any treatment that enhances their ability to spread presents a serious clinical concern.
Cellular Impact of Janus Kinase Inhibitors
In the study published in NAR Molecular Medicine, Kainov and his colleagues examined how JAK inhibitors affect the body’s antiviral defense mechanisms.
Erlend Ravlo, a PhD candidate and lead author of the study, noted that JAK inhibitors are frequently prescribed for autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. While effective at reducing inflammation, suppressing specific immune responses disrupts the mechanisms that ordinarily protect the body from viral infection.
Ravlo explained that these drugs specifically inhibit an important immune signaling pathway that helps protect healthy cells from viral attacks. This pathway plays a central role in coordinating the body’s response when viruses attempt to infect healthy tissue.
The research team found that JAK inhibitors, including the drug baricitinib, lower the activity of genes involved in combating viral infections. Aleksandr Ianevskii, a researcher at the university and co-author of the study, stated that these genes are necessary for the body's response to viral pathogens.
When these medications interfere with the immune signaling system, a vital layer of antiviral protection is weakened, allowing viruses to establish infections and move between cells more easily. To investigate this, the scientists combined advanced virology methods, gene expression analysis, and organoid technology, testing cells from lungs, eyes, and brain alongside laboratory-grown organ models.
Ravlo noted that while JAK inhibitors are effective for treating inflammation, the findings demonstrate that they may pose a hidden risk for patients carrying latent or active viral infections.
Doctors Must Balance Medication Risks During Epidemics
The findings show that doctors must balance the risks of these medications, particularly for patients with viral infections or during epidemics. The researchers suggest that clinicians exercise caution when prescribing the drugs during times of increased viral transmission.
Conversely, the immunosuppressive properties of these drugs may offer advantages in specific research contexts, potentially helping scientists develop vaccines or evaluate antiviral drugs under controlled laboratory conditions. Ianevskii recommended further studies to better understand how to optimize the use of these medications, especially during viral outbreaks or pandemics.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.