1056 Tofacitinib leads to increased infections by downregulation of antiviral immune defense

Tofacitinib is a novel Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and in clinical trials for psoriasis. In clinical trials investigating the therapeutical effects of tofacitinib, the most common adverse events observed were nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections. JAKs are found downstream of the type II cytokine receptor family. Many cytokines produced by TH17 cells stimulate their target cells via the type II cytokine receptors and these receptors use the JAK pathway for signal transduction.

Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - April 27, 2018 Category: Dermatology Authors: H.C. Hawerkamp, A. Domdey, L. Radau, B. Homey, S. Meller Tags: Pharmacology and Drug Development Source Type: research