Targeting the Jak/STAT pathway for immunosuppression

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Abstract
It is now well established that cytokines have critical roles in regulating immunity and inflammation; indeed targeting cytokines themselves has been an effective new strategy for immunosuppression.1 However, targeting intracellular cytokine signalling also now appears to be a viable new approach. Janus kinases (Jaks) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) have been demonstrated to be critical elements in signalling by certain families of cytokines. Importantly, the generation of a selective inhibitor of Jak3 appears to be feasible and effective. This report discusses the approach of targeting Jaks and STATs, with emphasis on Jak3 and a newly identified Jak3 antagonist.