Describe JAK-STAT signaling in inflammation

Join Heather Mambretti, PA-C, a rheumatology specialist with over 12 years of experience in the Houston Metro area, as she provides an in-depth look at the JAK-STAT signaling pathway—a fundamental mechanism in immune regulation and chronic inflammation. This pathway plays a crucial role in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

The JAK-STAT pathway is a key signaling cascade that allows cytokines to regulate immune responses. The process begins when cytokines bind to their respective receptors, triggering the activation of Janus kinases (JAKs). Once activated, JAKs phosphorylate signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins, which then translocate to the nucleus to regulate gene expression. Dysregulation of this pathway leads to excessive immune activation, contributing to chronic inflammation and tissue damage in autoimmune conditions.

JAK inhibitors (JAKi) have emerged as a targeted therapeutic approach, blocking key components of the pathway to reduce inflammation and improve disease outcomes. By modulating cytokine signaling, these treatments offer an alternative to traditional biologic therapies in rheumatology and other immune-mediated diseases.

Understanding the JAK-STAT pathway is essential for healthcare providers seeking to optimize treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases.

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