Frontiers in Pharmacology (Mar 2021)

Contribution of Janus-Kinase/Signal Transduction Activator of Transcription Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Vasculitis: A Possible Treatment Target in the Upcoming Future

  • Roberto Bursi,
  • Giacomo Cafaro,
  • Carlo Perricone,
  • Ilenia Riccucci,
  • Santina Calvacchi,
  • Roberto Gerli,
  • Elena Bartoloni

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.635663
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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Janus-kinase (JAK) and signal transduction activator of transcription (STAT) signal transduction pathway is involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes, including in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Data supporting the role of JAK/STAT in the development of vasculitis are limited and mostly focused on large vessel vasculitis and Behçet’s disease. In this review, we provide a thorough picture of currently available evidence on the topic, gathered from in vitro experiments, animal models and human real-life data, analyzing the rationale for the use of JAK inhibitors for the management of vasculitis. Overall, despite a very strong biological and pathogenic basis, data are too few to recommend this therapeutic approach, beyond very severe and refractory forms of vasculitis. However, for the same reasons, a strong scientific effort in this direction is indeed worthwhile.

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