A new study reveals that Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKs), commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, may inadvertently facilitate the spread of viruses within the body.

Researchers found that drugs like baricitinib slow down the expression of genes essential for the body's antiviral response, allowing viruses to spread more easily.

The study published in NAR Molecular Medicine indicates that JAK inhibitors suppress an important immune signaling pathway essential for protecting healthy cells from viruses.

Denis Kainov, a professor at NTNU, highlights that these drugs can make patients more susceptible to serious viral infections such as Rift Valley fever virus, influenza A, adenovirus, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

The study utilized advanced virology methods to analyze the effects of JAK inhibitors on cells from various organs, revealing that these drugs could pose risks for patients with existing viral infections.

JAK inhibitors are primarily used to treat autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, but they weaken the immune response against viral infections.

While JAK inhibitors are effective for inflammation, their immunosuppressive effects pose hidden risks for patients with latent or active viral infections, necessitating caution among healthcare professionals during viral outbreaks.

The study calls for increased awareness among doctors and researchers about the dual effects of JAK inhibitors and recommends further research to optimize their use during viral outbreaks or pandemics.

The researchers suggest that this immunosuppressive effect could also be harnessed in controlled environments, such as vaccine development or antiviral drug testing.

The research was funded by various health authorities and institutions, with contributions from Professor Magnar Bjørås and others at NTNU.