JAK inhibition and axial spondyloarthritis: new steps on the path to understanding pathophysiology. [Review]

No Thumbnail Available

All Authors

Ciccia, F.
McGonagle, D.
Thomas, R.
Marzo-Ortega, H.
Martin, DA.
Yndestad, A.
Volkov, M.

LTHT Author

McGonagle, Dennis
Marzo-Ortega, Helena

LTHT Department

Rheumatology
NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre

Non Medic

Publication Date

2025

Item Type

Journal Article
Review

Language

Subject

Subject Headings

Abstract

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the sacroiliac joints and spine. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-17A are key cytokines in disease pathogenesis and are established axSpA treatment targets. Recently, axSpA treatment options have been complemented by Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), which inhibit various cytokines without directly impacting TNF or IL-17 signaling. The effect of JAKi on axSpA remains under investigation: besides a JAK2-mediated (and potentially tyrosine kinase 2 [TYK2]-mediated) effect on the IL-23/IL-17 axis, emerging evidence suggests gammadelta T cells, type 3 innate lymphoid cells, and mucosa-associated invariant T cells, which are dependent on IL-7 and/or IL-15 and thus on JAK1, are strongly inhibited by JAKi used to treat axSpA. This review summarizes potential effects of JAKi on axSpA and shows evidence from pre-clinical/clinical studies. Greater understanding of the mechanisms of action of available treatments may improve knowledge of axSpA and pave the road for future therapies.

Journal

Frontiers in Immunology