tofacitinib and Disease-Models--Animal

Systemic drug treatment of vitiligo is currently limited to predominantly adjuvant measures for increasing the effectiveness of UV light therapy. We here present new approaches for the systemic treatment of vitiligo currently under clinical investigation. These include the α‑MSH-analogue afamelatonide and oral immunosuppressants such as the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors which target interferon-α-dependent autotoxic inflammatory reactions. In 2015 the first publications on the successful systemic use of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in vitiligo appeared. The effectiveness was experimentally supported by animal models of vitiligo and by the characterization of new biomarkers in the serum of vitiligo patients. This may significantly expand the range of treatment options for vitiligo. Topical antiinflammatory and UV therapies are still the main components of vitiligo treatment, often in combination. The main outcome parameters include the extent and duration of repigmentation, cessation of spreading, avoidance of side effects and improvement in the quality of life of patients.

Topics: alpha-MSH; Animals; Biomarkers; Combined Modality Therapy; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Interferon-alpha; Janus Kinases; Nitriles; Piperidines; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Ultraviolet Therapy; Vitiligo

The success of solid-organ transplantation was made possible by recognizing that destruction of the graft is caused by an alloimmune-mediated process. For the past decade, immunosuppressive protocols have used a combination of drugs that significantly decreased the rate of acute organ rejection. Despite advances in surgical and medical care of recipients of solid-organ transplants, long-term graft survival and patient survival have not improved during the past 2 decades. Current immunosuppression protocols include a combination of calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus, and antiproliferative agents (most commonly mycophenolate mofetil), with or without different dosing regimens of corticosteroids. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors were introduced to be used in combination with cyclosporine-based therapy, but they did not gain much acceptance because of their adverse event profile. Belatacept, a costimulatory inhibitor, is currently being studied in different regimens in an effort to replace the use of calcineurin inhibitors to induce tolerance and to improve long-term outcomes. Induction therapy is now being used in more than 90% of kidney transplants and more than 50% cases of other solid-organ transplantation such as lung, heart, and intestinal transplants. As a result of these combination immunosuppressive (IS) therapy protocols, not only the incidence but also the intensity of episodes of acute rejection have decreased markedly, and at present 1-year graft and patient survival is almost 98% for kidney transplant recipients and approximately greater than 80% for heart and lung transplants. Evolving concepts include the use of donor-derived bone marrow mesenchymal cells to induce tolerance, to minimize the use of maintenance IS agents, and to prevent the development of adverse events associated with long-term use of maintenance IS therapy.

Topics: Abatacept; Alemtuzumab; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Azathioprine; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Calcineurin Inhibitors; Cyclosporine; Disease Models, Animal; Everolimus; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Transplantation; Lung Transplantation; Mycophenolic Acid; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sirolimus; Tacrolimus

Antibodies that block cytokine function provide a powerful therapeutic tool especially for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Cytokines are a group of small hydrophilic glycoproteins that bind their receptors on the cell surface and subsequently activate intracellular signalling cascades, such as the JAK/STAT pathway. A bulk of evidence has demonstrated that genetic mutations in signalling molecules can cause immunodeficiencies and malignant cell growth. As a result, several drug companies have begun to develop therapeutics that inhibit the function of JAK tyrosine kinases. Currently, two JAK inhibitors, tofacitinib and ruxolitinib, are used in the clinic for treating rheumatoid arthritis and myeloproliferative diseases, respectively. Inhibiting JAK function has been shown to efficiently prevent the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells and to harness overly active immune cells. In the future, other small molecule compounds are likely to come into clinical use, and intense work is ongoing to develop inhibitors that specifically target the constitutively active mutant JAKs. This MiniReview will summarize the basic features of the JAK/STAT pathway, its role in human disease and the therapeutic potential of JAK/STAT inhibitors.

Topics: Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Janus Kinases; Nitriles; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Signal Transduction; STAT Transcription Factors

The constitutional isomers and tautomers of oxadiazolones, as well as their mono- and disulfur analogues, were calculated at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level. Four groups of 30 molecules each were considered: oxadiazolone, oxadiazolthione, thiadiazolone, and thiadiazolthione isomers. The compounds were categorized into six groups according to permutations of three heteroatoms in the five-membered ring. Additionally, each of the constitutional isomer was considered to have five tautomers conserving stable five-membered ring: two NH tautomers, two rotameric OH (or SH) forms and one CH. La trombocitosis es un hallazgo casual frecuente en pediatría. En niños, predominan las formas secundarias, siendo las infecciones su causa más prevalente. Se distinguen 4 grados de trombocitosis en función del número de plaquetas; en la forma extrema, se supera el 1.000.000/mm. Endoscopic thrombin injection was similar to glue injection in achieving successful hemostasis of AGVH. However, a higher incidence of complications may be associated with glue injection.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adsorption; Adult; Allyl Compounds; Amylopectin; Amylose; Anaerobiosis; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anura; Arginase; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Asthma; Atmosphere; B-Lymphocytes; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Bioelectric Energy Sources; Biofilms; Biofuels; Biomarkers; Biopolymers; Bioreactors; Brain; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Breast Neoplasms; Calibration; Carbon Tetrachloride; Caspase 3; Catalysis; Catechin; Cations; Cattle; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cell Body; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Plasticity; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic; China; Chitosan; Chloride Channels; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromosome Mapping; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cohort Studies; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colloids; Coloring Agents; Congresses as Topic; Correlation of Data; Crystallization; Cyanoacrylates; Cyclohexane Monoterpenes; Cyprinidae; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1; Death, Sudden; Dent Disease; Dietary Supplements; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Disease Resistance; Disulfides; Drug Monitoring; Drug Stability; Ecotoxicology; Electricity; Electrodes; Endocytosis; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Esters; Fagopyrum; Female; Ferrosoferric Oxide; Flame Retardants; Flavobacteriaceae; Flow Cytometry; Follow-Up Studies; Formoterol Fumarate; Fusarium; Garlic; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Gene Expression; Genes, Plant; Genetic Markers; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Gliosis; Global Health; Glutathione Transferase; Glycine max; Gum Arabic; Hemostasis, Endoscopic; Hepatocytes; Hippocampus; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Illinois; Immunoglobulin G; Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Interleukin-4; Iowa; Iron; Ki-67 Antigen; Kidney; Kinetics; Kynurenine; Lakes; Levofloxacin; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipids; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental; Magnetic Fields; Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles; Male; Manure; Maze Learning; Memory, Short-Term; Metal Nanoparticles; Metals, Heavy; Methane; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Michigan; Microalgae; Microbial Consortia; Mitochondria; Models, Animal; Models, Chemical; Models, Neurological; Molecular Structure; Molecular Weight; Mutation; Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells; NADPH Oxidase 2; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neurites; Neurons; Neuroprotective Agents; NF-kappa B; NIH 3T3 Cells; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Nitrogen; Ohio; Ointments; Ontario; Organelle Biogenesis; Organophosphates; Organophosphorus Compounds; Oxidative Stress; Palladium; Particle Size; Pectins; Phenotype; Phytotherapy; Piperidines; Placenta; Plant Diseases; Plant Extracts; Polymers; Polymorphism, Genetic; Polyphenols; Powders; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Prospective Studies; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Structure, Secondary; Proteins; Pyridines; Pyrimidines; Rats, Wistar; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Receptors, Chemokine; Receptors, Formyl Peptide; Receptors, Lipoxin; Recovery of Function; Recurrence; Reference Standards; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results; Respiratory Function Tests; Retrospective Studies; Risk; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sewage; Signal Transduction; Sodium Glutamate; Soil; Solanum tuberosum; Solubility; Solutions; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Spectrum Analysis; Spermatozoa; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Sulfamethoxazole; Tea; Temperature; Thermodynamics; Thrombin; Treatment Outcome; Triazoles; United States; Viscosity; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Wastewater; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification; White Matter; Wisconsin; X-Ray Diffraction; Zea mays

In humans, hibernoma is a very rare, benign neoplasm of brown adipose tissue (BAT) that typically occurs at subcutaneous locations and is successfully treated by surgical excision. No single cause has been accepted to explain these very rare human tumors. In contrast, spontaneous hibernoma in rats is rare, often malignant, usually occurs in the thoracic or abdominal cavity, and metastases are common. In recent years, there has been an increased incidence of spontaneous hibernomas in rat carcinogenicity studies, but overall the occurrence remains relatively low and highly variable across studies. There have only been four reported examples of pharmaceutical-induced hibernoma in rat carcinogenicity studies. These include phentolamine, an alpha-adrenergic antagonist; varenicline, a nicotine partial agonist; tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor; and hydromorphone, an opiod analgesic. Potential non-genotoxic mechanisms that may contribute to the pathogenesis of BAT activation/proliferation and/or subsequent hibernoma development in rats include: (1) physiological stimuli, (2) sympathetic stimulation, (3) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonism, and/or (4) interference or inhibition of JAK/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling. The evaluation of an apparent increase of hibernoma in rats from 2-year carcinogenicity studies of novel pharmaceutical therapeutics and its relevance to human safety risk assessment is complex. One should consider: the genotoxicity of the test article, dose/exposure and safety margins, and pathophysiologic and morphologic differences and similarities of hibernoma between rats and humans. Hibernomas observed to date in carcinogenicity studies of pharmaceutical agents do not appear to be relevant for human risk at therapeutic dosages.

Topics: Animals; Benzazepines; Carcinogenicity Tests; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Hydromorphone; Lipoma; Mutagenicity Tests; Neoplasms; Phentolamine; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Quinoxalines; Rats; Risk Assessment; Varenicline

CP-690,550 is an orally active and selective inhibitor of the janus kinase (JAK) molecules. The molecular pathways through which the JAK moieties function are described along with the clinical mechanisms associated with their inhibition. Animal models of JAK inhibition are reviewed as a background for the possible inhibition of JAK in humans. The pharmacokinetics of CP-690,550 in humans is described, and the Phase IIA and IIB trials are reviewed in some detail. These trials were dose-ranging and showed a general dose response with relatively robust American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) responses. A proof-of-concept 6-week trial in which CP-690,550 was given as monotherapy was associated with highly efficacious responses at the mid and higher twice-daily dose ranges employed. A subsequent 24 week dose-ranging trial in which CP-690,550 was administered in combination with methotrexate showed ACR20 responses, which were also statistically significant versus placebo interventions. CP-690,550 treatment was associated with side effects, which included headache and nausea. Infections were more common versus placebo as were elevations in transaminase enzymes when administered in combination with methotrexate, and increases in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Decreases in haemoglobin and white blood cell (WBC) counts were also observed along with small increases in serum creatinine. Occasional significant decreases of haemoglobin (>2 g dl(-1)) were observed, although decreases of WBC to less than 1000 per mm(3) were not seen. Plans for long-term follow-up of the described trials are described along with the features of five presently ongoing Phase III trials of the CP-690,550 janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Future directions include completion and publication of these trials along with study of JAK inhibition for other indications.

Topics: Animals; Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Therapy, Combination; Enzyme Inhibitors; Health Status; Humans; Janus Kinase 3; Methotrexate; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome

The constitutional isomers and tautomers of oxadiazolones, as well as their mono- and disulfur analogues, were calculated at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level. Four groups of 30 molecules each were considered: oxadiazolone, oxadiazolthione, thiadiazolone, and thiadiazolthione isomers. The compounds were categorized into six groups according to permutations of three heteroatoms in the five-membered ring. Additionally, each of the constitutional isomer was considered to have five tautomers conserving stable five-membered ring: two NH tautomers, two rotameric OH (or SH) forms and one CH. La trombocitosis es un hallazgo casual frecuente en pediatría. En niños, predominan las formas secundarias, siendo las infecciones su causa más prevalente. Se distinguen 4 grados de trombocitosis en función del número de plaquetas; en la forma extrema, se supera el 1.000.000/mm. Endoscopic thrombin injection was similar to glue injection in achieving successful hemostasis of AGVH. However, a higher incidence of complications may be associated with glue injection.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adsorption; Adult; Allyl Compounds; Amylopectin; Amylose; Anaerobiosis; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anura; Arginase; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Asthma; Atmosphere; B-Lymphocytes; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Bioelectric Energy Sources; Biofilms; Biofuels; Biomarkers; Biopolymers; Bioreactors; Brain; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Breast Neoplasms; Calibration; Carbon Tetrachloride; Caspase 3; Catalysis; Catechin; Cations; Cattle; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cell Body; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Plasticity; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic; China; Chitosan; Chloride Channels; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromosome Mapping; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cohort Studies; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colloids; Coloring Agents; Congresses as Topic; Correlation of Data; Crystallization; Cyanoacrylates; Cyclohexane Monoterpenes; Cyprinidae; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1; Death, Sudden; Dent Disease; Dietary Supplements; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Disease Resistance; Disulfides; Drug Monitoring; Drug Stability; Ecotoxicology; Electricity; Electrodes; Endocytosis; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Esters; Fagopyrum; Female; Ferrosoferric Oxide; Flame Retardants; Flavobacteriaceae; Flow Cytometry; Follow-Up Studies; Formoterol Fumarate; Fusarium; Garlic; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Gene Expression; Genes, Plant; Genetic Markers; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Gliosis; Global Health; Glutathione Transferase; Glycine max; Gum Arabic; Hemostasis, Endoscopic; Hepatocytes; Hippocampus; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Illinois; Immunoglobulin G; Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Interleukin-4; Iowa; Iron; Ki-67 Antigen; Kidney; Kinetics; Kynurenine; Lakes; Levofloxacin; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipids; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental; Magnetic Fields; Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles; Male; Manure; Maze Learning; Memory, Short-Term; Metal Nanoparticles; Metals, Heavy; Methane; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Michigan; Microalgae; Microbial Consortia; Mitochondria; Models, Animal; Models, Chemical; Models, Neurological; Molecular Structure; Molecular Weight; Mutation; Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells; NADPH Oxidase 2; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neurites; Neurons; Neuroprotective Agents; NF-kappa B; NIH 3T3 Cells; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Nitrogen; Ohio; Ointments; Ontario; Organelle Biogenesis; Organophosphates; Organophosphorus Compounds; Oxidative Stress; Palladium; Particle Size; Pectins; Phenotype; Phytotherapy; Piperidines; Placenta; Plant Diseases; Plant Extracts; Polymers; Polymorphism, Genetic; Polyphenols; Powders; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Prospective Studies; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Structure, Secondary; Proteins; Pyridines; Pyrimidines; Rats, Wistar; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Receptors, Chemokine; Receptors, Formyl Peptide; Receptors, Lipoxin; Recovery of Function; Recurrence; Reference Standards; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results; Respiratory Function Tests; Retrospective Studies; Risk; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sewage; Signal Transduction; Sodium Glutamate; Soil; Solanum tuberosum; Solubility; Solutions; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Spectrum Analysis; Spermatozoa; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Sulfamethoxazole; Tea; Temperature; Thermodynamics; Thrombin; Treatment Outcome; Triazoles; United States; Viscosity; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Wastewater; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification; White Matter; Wisconsin; X-Ray Diffraction; Zea mays

Janus-activated kinases (JAKs) are well known to play a physiological as well as pathological role in several disease conditions such as autoimmune disorders. The present study evaluated the therapeutic potential of CP690550 (pan-JAK inhibitor) in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tertahydropyridine (MPTP) model of Parkinson's disease. Intrastriatal administration of MPTP (30 micromol in 2 microl) produced a significant alteration in behavioural (bar test and block test). Biochemical investigations in serum and brain homogenate revealed a significant alteration in the JAK-mediated cytokine levels. MPTP administration also showed significant imbalance of inflammatory (increased TNF-α, IL-6 and NF-κb) versus anti-inflammatory cytokines (decreased IL-10 levels). MPTP-treated brain sections revealed alteration in the tissue architecture as well as undifferentiated bodies of varying contour and lesions. Chronic administration of CP690550 (3 and 10 mg/kg, po) for 7 days significantly reversed the behavioural, biochemical and histological alterations induced by MPTP. In conclusion, the findings of the present study govern the possible therapeutic potential of CP690550 in MPTP-treated mice and thus highlight the therapeutic potential of JAK inhibitors in treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Topics: 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; Animals; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Dopaminergic Neurons; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neuroprotective Agents; Parkinson Disease; Parkinson Disease, Secondary; Piperidines; Pyrimidines

We have previously reported that inhibition of the Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) signaling ameliorates IL-17A-mediated blood-retinal barrier (BRB) dysfunction. Higher levels of IL-17A have been observed in the blood and intraocular fluids in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), in particular those with diabetic macular oedema. This study aimed to understand whether JAK1 inhibition could prevent BRB dysfunction in db/db mice, a model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). An in vitro study showed that high glucose treatment disrupted the junctional distribution of claudin-5 in bEnd3 cells and ZO-1 in ARPE19 cells and that tofacitinib citrate treatment prevented high glucose-mediated tight junction disruption. Albumin leakage, accompanied by increased levels of the phosphorylated form of JAK1 (pJAK1), was observed in three-month-old db/db mice. Treatment of two-and-a-half-month-old db/db mice with tofacitinib citrate for two weeks significantly reduced retinal albumin leakage and reduced pJAK1 expression. pJAK1 expression was also detected in human DR retina. Our results suggest that JAK1 inhibition can ameliorate BRB dysfunction in T2D, and JAK1 inhibitors such as tofacitinib citrate may be re-purposed for the management of diabetic macular oedema.

Topics: Animals; Blood-Retinal Barrier; Capillary Permeability; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetic Retinopathy; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Male; Mice; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Retina

In cutaneous leishmaniasis, the immune response is not only protective but also mediates immunopathology. We previously found that cytolytic CD8 T cells promote inflammatory responses that are difficult to treat with conventional therapies that target the parasite. Therefore, we hypothesized that inhibiting CD8 T-cell cytotoxicity would reduce disease severity in patients. IL-15 is a potential target for such a treatment because it is highly expressed in human patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions and promotes granzyme B‒dependent CD8 T-cell cytotoxicity. Here we tested whether tofacitinib, which inhibits IL-15 signaling by blocking Jak3, might decrease CD8-dependent pathology. We found that tofacitinib reduced the expression of granzyme B by CD8 T cells in vitro and in vivo systemic and topical treatment, with tofacitinib protecting mice from developing severe cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions. Importantly, tofacitinib treatment did not alter T helper type 1 responses or parasite control. Collectively, our results suggest that host-directed therapies do not need to be limited to autoimmune disorders and that topical tofacitinib application should be considered a strategy for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis disease in combination with antiparasitic drugs.

Topics: Adoptive Transfer; Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Biopsy; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Therapy, Combination; Granzymes; Humans; Leishmania braziliensis; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Mice; Parasite Load; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Severity of Illness Index; Skin; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic; Th1 Cells

Loss-of-function variants in protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type-2 [PTPN2] promote susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD]. PTPN2 regulates Janus-kinase [JAK] and signal transducer and activator of transcription [STAT] signalling, while protecting the intestinal epithelium from inflammation-induced barrier disruption. The pan-JAK inhibitor tofacitinib is approved to treat ulcerative colitis, but its effects on intestinal epithelial cell-macrophage interactions and on barrier properties are unknown. We aimed to determine if tofacitinib can rescue disrupted epithelial-macrophage interaction and barrier function upon loss of PTPN2.. Human Caco-2BBe intestinal epithelial cells [IECs] and THP-1 macrophages expressing control or PTPN2-specific shRNA were co-cultured with tofacitinib or vehicle. Transepithelial electrical resistance and 4 kDa fluorescein-dextran flux were measured to assess barrier function. Ptpn2fl/fl and Ptpn2-LysMCre mice, which lack Ptpn2 in myeloid cells, were treated orally with tofacitinib citrate twice daily to assess the in vivo effect on the intestinal epithelial barrier. Colitis was induced via administration of 1.5% dextran sulphate sodium [DSS] in drinking water.. Tofacitinib corrected compromised barrier function upon PTPN2 loss in macrophages and/or IECs via normalisation of: [i] tight junction protein expression; [ii] excessive STAT3 signalling; and [iii] IL-6 and IL-22 secretion. In Ptpn2-LysMCre mice, tofacitinib reduced colonic pro-inflammatory macrophages, corrected underlying permeability defects, and prevented the increased susceptibility to DSS colitis.. PTPN2 loss in IECs or macrophages compromises IEC-macrophage interactions and reduces epithelial barrier integrity. Both of these events were corrected by tofacitinib in vitro and in vivo. Tofacitinib may have greater therapeutic efficacy in IBD patients harbouring PTPN2 loss-of-function mutations.

Topics: Animals; Cell Communication; Coculture Techniques; Disease Models, Animal; Epithelial Cells; Humans; Interleukin-22; Interleukin-6; Interleukins; Intestinal Mucosa; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Macrophages; Mice, Knockout; Piperidines; Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 2; Pyrimidines; Signal Transduction; STAT3 Transcription Factor

The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway play a key role in immune modulation, especially in the polarization of T helper cells. JAK inhibitors reduce inflammation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT. We investigated whether a JAK inhibitor, tofacitinib, can reduce inflammation in a mouse model of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).. An eosinophilic CRSwNP model was induced using 4-week-old BALB/c mice. The therapeutic effects of topical tofacitinib were compared with the effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TAC). Polyp formation and eosinophilic infiltration were assessed by histology. Levels of phosphorylated STAT (pSTAT), eosinophil cationic protein, and eotaxin were measured by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression levels of GATA-3 was measured using quantitative PCR. The production of cytokines in sinonasal tissues, including interleukin IL-4, IL-5, IL-12, and interferon-γ, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).. Topical tofacitinib administration significantly reduced the number of polyp-like lesions and the degree of eosinophilic infiltration, with an efficacy comparable with that of systemic TAC administration. Similarly, the levels of pSTAT6, eosinophil cationic protein, and eotaxin decreased with tofacitinib treatment. Tofacitinib decreased the gene expression level of GATA-3. Lastly, tofacitinib significantly decreased IL-4 and IL-5 production to a similar extent as that by systemic or topical TAC administration. Tofacitinib, but not TAC, significantly increased the production of interferon-γ.. Topical tofacitinib administration may be an effective treatment for eosinophilic CRSwNP by inhibiting phosphorylation of STATs.. N/A. Laryngoscope, 131:E1400-E1407, 2021.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Administration, Intranasal; Animals; Chronic Disease; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Eosinophilia; Eosinophils; Humans; Janus Kinases; Male; Mice; Nasal Mucosa; Nasal Polyps; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Rhinitis; Signal Transduction; Sinusitis; STAT Transcription Factors; Triamcinolone Acetonide

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disease, in which treatment is still limited due to suboptimal efficacy and toxicities associated with the available therapies. JAK kinases are well known to play an important role in systemic lupus erythematous. There is growing evidence that ROCK kinases are also important in disease development. In this paper, we present the results of the development of CPL409116, a dual JAK and ROCK inhibitor. The studies we performed demonstrate that this molecule is an effective JAK and ROCK inhibitor which efficiently blocks disease progression in NZBWF1/J mouse models of systemic lupus erythematous.

Topics: Animals; Cells, Cultured; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Female; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Janus Kinases; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Mice, Transgenic; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; rho-Associated Kinases; Treatment Outcome

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC), a common eye inflammation that affects patients' health and quality of life, is still a therapeutic challenge for ophthalmologists. Tofacitinib, a new Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has been successfully used in the treatment of several disorders. Nonetheless, its effect in AC and the potential anti-allergic mechanisms are still unclear. The objective of the current study was to explore the roles of tofacitinib in preventing AC and elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms.. Tofacitinib was used topically in BALB/c mice with experimental allergic conjunctivitis (EAC). Ocular allergic symptoms and biological modifications were examined. To assess the anti-allergic mechanisms of tofacitinib, RBL-2H3 cells and HUVECs were cultured in vitro. The inhibitory effects and mechanisms of tofacitinib were studied and measured by real-time quantitative PCR, ELISA, western blot analysis, and flow cytometry.. Topical administration of tofacitinib reduced the clinical symptoms of OVA-induced EAC, with a substantial mitigation in inflammatory cell infiltration, histamine release, and TNF-α mRNA as well as IL-4 mRNA expression. In vitro, tofacitinib repressed the degranulation and cytokine production in RBL-2H3 cells and reduced histamine-induced vascular hyperpermeability. The underlying mechanism might involve the downregulation of phosphorylation of JAK3/STATs signaling molecules in RBL-2H3 cells and HUVECs.. Our findings provide evidence that tofacitinib prevented EAC by targeting the JAK3/STATs pathway. We recommend the use of tofacitinib as an innovative approach for the treatment of AC.

Topics: Allergens; Animals; Anti-Allergic Agents; Cell Degranulation; Cell Line; Conjunctivitis, Allergic; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Mast Cells; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ovalbumin; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Rats; Signal Transduction; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

The Janus kinase (JAK) family of tyrosine kinases has been proven to provide targeted immune modulation. Orally available JAK inhibitors have been used for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we report the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydrofuro[3,2-c]pyridin-2-yl) pyrimidin-2-amino derivatives as JAK inhibitors. Systematic structure-activity relationship studies led to the discovery of compound 7j, which strongly inhibited the four isoforms of JAK kinases. Molecular modeling rationalized the importance of cyanoacetyl and phenylmorpholine moieties. The in vivo investigation indicated that compound 7j possessed favorable pharmacokinetic properties and displayed slightly better anti-inflammatory efficacy than tofacitinib at the same dosage. Accordingly, compound 7j was advanced into preclinical development.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Amines; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Arthritis; Binding Sites; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Half-Life; Humans; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Janus Kinases; Molecular Docking Simulation; Protein Isoforms; Pyrimidines; Rats; Structure-Activity Relationship

Chronic inflammation is associated with the production of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines via the JAK-STAT and NF-κB signalling pathways which are known to be inhibited by tofacitinib and aspirin respectively. High levels of these cytokines increase the synthesis of suppressors of cytokines (SOCS), which at high levels inhibit insulin signalling leading to insulin resistance. The effects of tofacitinib and aspirin on the degree of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats were determined.. Rats were induced with type 2 diabetes (T2D) by administration of 10% fructose solution (ad libitum) followed by streptozotocin injection (40 mg/kg BW) and treated with different doses of tofacitinib (10 and 20 mg/kg BW), aspirin (100 and 200 mg/kg BW) and combination of the two drugs at both doses for 9 weeks.. Results showed that separate treatment with 10 mg/kg BW tofacitinib and 100 mg/kg BW aspirin significantly (P < 0.05) decreased tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and serum amyloid A when compared to diabetic untreated rats. However, the combined therapy (10 mg/kg BW tofacitinib and 100 mg/kg BW aspirin) significantly decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, serum amyloid A, HOMA-IR, blood glucose level and SOC-3 gene expression but significantly (P < 0.05) improved glucose homoestasis, insulin secretion, HOMA-β and GLUT-4 gene expression when compared to diabetic untreated rat.. It was concluded that simultaneous inhibition of the JAK-STAT and NF-κB signalling pathways with tofacitinib and aspirin respectively, could mitigate insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in T2D.

Topics: Animals; Aspirin; Blood Glucose; Cytokines; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Hyperglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Interleukin-6; Janus Kinases; Male; NF-kappa B; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Serum Amyloid A Protein; Signal Transduction; STAT Transcription Factors; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic synovitis and bone destruction at the joints, causing pain and motor disturbance. Despite the better control of inflammation and joint deformity afforded by modern disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, many patients with RA remain dissatisfied with their treatment, primarily because of sensory-emotional distress. Pre-clinical tests that can evaluate not only the symptoms of arthritis but also the associated pain as sensory-emotional experience are urgently needed.. Here, we introduce two types of novel methods for evaluation of voluntary behavior in a commonly used model of RA (collagen-induced arthritis; CIA) in male mice. First, spontaneous motor activity was assessed with a running wheel placed in home cages and the number of rotations was continuously recorded in a 12:12-h light environment. Second, temperature preference was assessed by measuring the time spent in either of the floor plates with augmenting (25 to 49 °C) or fixed temperature (25 °C). We also evaluated the effects of tofacitinib on CIA-associated changes in voluntary wheel running and temperature preference.. We detected a significant decrease in voluntary wheel running, a significant shift in the distribution of movement in the dark phase, and a significant increase in the time spent in warmer environments than the room temperature in the mice with CIA. These alterations in voluntary behavior have never been described with conventional methods. We also revealed tofacitinib-resistant significant changes in the voluntary behavior and choice of temperature despite significant mitigation of the symptoms of arthritis.. We described for the first time significant alterations of the voluntary behavior of the mice with CIA during the clinical periods, indicating that the overall physical/motivational states and its circadian variation, as well as the specific preference to a certain environmental temperature, are modified in the mice with CIA, as observed in human patients. Some of these did not parallel with the conventional arthritis scores, particularly during the pharmacotherapy suggesting that mice with CIA show not only the peripheral symptoms but also the central consequences. The use of these approaches would also help clarify the biological mechanisms underlying physician-patient discordance in the assessment of RA.

Topics: Animals; Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Experimental; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Humans; Joints; Male; Mice, Inbred DBA; Motor Activity; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Synovitis; Temperature

The Janus kinase 1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib has demonstrated an antipruritic effect in two phase III studies in psoriasis. However, the mechanisms behind this antipruritic effect are still unknown. We presently investigated whether tofacitinib affects spontaneous itch as well as expression of itch-related cytokines and epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD) in the imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis. Psoriasis-like skin lesions were produced by daily topical application of imiquimod to the back skin. Imiquimod treatment resulted in spontaneous scratching, which was significantly inhibited by tofacitinib treatment. Imiquimod treatment significantly increased mRNA expression of Il22, Il23, and Il31, reduced peptidergic ENFD, and increased nonpeptidergic ENFD compared to naive mice. Tofacitinib significantly decreased the expression of those cytokines and increased peptidergic ENFD without a significant effect on nonpeptidergic ENFD. Tofacitinib may inhibit psoriatic itch through inhibition of cytokine expression as well as modulation of epidermal innervation.

Topics: Animals; Antipruritics; Behavior, Animal; Disease Models, Animal; Imiquimod; Interleukin-22; Interleukin-23; Interleukins; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nerve Fibers; Piperidines; Pruritus; Psoriasis; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Skin

The routes by which antibody-based therapeutics reach malignant cells are poorly defined. Tofacitinib, an FDA-approved JAK inhibitor, reduced tumor-associated inflammatory cells and allowed increased delivery of antibody-based agents to malignant cells. Alone, tofacitinib exhibited no antitumor activity, but combinations with immunotoxins or an antibody-drug conjugate resulted in increased antitumor responses. Quantification using flow cytometry revealed that antibody-based agents accumulated in malignant cells at higher percentages following tofacitinib treatment. Profiling of tofacitinib-treated tumor-bearing mice indicated that cytokine transcripts and various proteins involved in chemotaxis were reduced compared with vehicle-treated mice. Histological analysis revealed significant changes to the composition of the tumor microenvironment, with reductions in monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. Tumor-associated inflammatory cells contributed to non-target uptake of antibody-based therapeutics, with mice treated with tofacitinib showing decreased accumulation of therapeutics in intratumoral inflammatory cells and increased delivery to malignant cells. The present findings serve as a rationale for conducting trials where short-term treatments with tofacitinib could be administered in combination with antibody-based therapies.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Arginase; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Immunoconjugates; Immunotherapy; Immunotoxins; Macrophages; Mice; Mice, Nude; Monocytes; Neoplasms; Neutrophils; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; RNA, Messenger; Tumor Microenvironment; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Tofacitinib (Tofa) has been approved for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). To improve its therapeutic efficacy and limit dose-dependent toxicity, we developed a macromolecular prodrug of Tofa (P-Tofa). If the prodrug design improves the potency and duration of Tofa therapy, it would widen its therapeutic window, potentially leading to improved safety and better clinical management of UC.. P-Tofa was synthesized by conjugating Tofa to N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer via a cleavable carbamate linker. DSS-induced UC mouse model were treated with Tofa (daily oral gavage, from day 8), P-Tofa (single intravenous administration on day 8, dose equivalent to Tofa treatment) and saline. Healthy mice were used as a positive control. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated using disease activity index (DAI), endoscopic score and end-point histology. The optical imaging, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were used to understand P-Tofa's working mechanism.. DAI results suggested that a single dose P-Tofa treatment was more efficacious than dose equivalent daily Tofa treatment. Endoscopic evaluation and histology analyses confirmed that while both P-Tofa and Tofa protected the colon, P-Tofa treated group was observed with better colon integrity with less tissue damage. Optical imaging, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry results showed that P-Tofa passively targeted the inflamed colon and being retained via cellular sequestration.. Single intravenous administration of P-Tofa was more effective than dose equivalent daily oral Tofa gavage in ameliorating DSS-induced colitis. This observed superior therapeutic efficacy may be attributed to P-Tofa's passive targeting to and retention by the inflamed colon.

Topics: Animals; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Janus Kinases; Male; Methacrylates; Mice; Piperidines; Polymers; Prodrugs; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common renal genetic disorder, however it still lacks a cure. The discovery of new therapies heavily depends on understanding key signalling pathways that lead to ADPKD. The JAnus Kinase and Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway is aberrantly activated and contributes to ADPKD pathogenesis via enhancing epithelial proliferation. Yet the mechanisms underlying the upregulation of JAK/STAT activity in this disease context is completely unknown. Here, we investigate the role of JAK2 in ADPKD using a murine model of ADPKD (Pkd1

Topics: Animals; Cell Line; Cell Proliferation; Curcumin; Disease Models, Animal; Epithelial Cells; Humans; Janus Kinase 2; Kidney; Mice; Phosphorylation; Piperidines; Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; TRPP Cation Channels; Up-Regulation

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Butanols; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Mice, Transgenic; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Skin Lightening Preparations; Skin Pigmentation; Treatment Failure; Vitiligo

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a sometimes life-threatening complication in RA patients. SKG mice develop not only arthritis but also an ILD resembling RA-ILD. We previously reported that tofacitinib, a JAK inhibitor, facilitates the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and ameliorates arthritis in SKG mice. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of tofacitinib on the ILD in SKG mice.. We assessed the effect of tofacitinib on the zymosan (Zym)-induced ILD in SKG mice histologically and examined the cells infiltrating the lung by flow cytometry. The effects of lung MDSCs on T cell proliferation and Th17 cell differentiation were assessed in vitro. We also evaluated the effects of tofacitinib on MDSCs and dendritic cells in vitro.. Tofacitinib significantly suppressed the progression of ILD compared to the control SKG mice. The MDSCs were increased, while Th17 cells, group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s), and GM-CSF+ILCs were decreased in the lungs of tofacitinib-treated mice. MDSCs isolated from the inflamed lungs suppressed T cell proliferation and Th17 cell differentiation in vitro. Tofacitinib promoted MDSC expansion and suppressed bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (BMDC) differentiation in vitro.. Tofacitinib facilitates the expansion of MDSCs in the lung and ameliorates ILD in SKG mice.

Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Dendritic Cells; Disease Models, Animal; Immunity, Innate; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Male; Mice; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Th17 Cells

The main goal of this work was to analyse how treatment intervention with tofacitinib prevents the early disturbances of bone structure and mechanics in the rat model of adjuvant-induced arthritis. This is the first study to access the impact of tofacitinib on the skeletal bone effects of inflammation.. Fifty Wistar rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis were randomly housed in experimental groups, as follows: non-arthritic healthy group (n = 20); arthritic non-treated group (n = 20); and 10 animals undergoing tofacitinib treatment. Rats were monitored during 22 days after disease induction for the inflammatory score, ankle perimeter and body weight. Healthy non-arthritic rats were used as controls for comparison. After 22 days of disease progression, rats were killed and bone samples collected for histology, micro-CT, three-point bending and nanoindentation analysis. Blood samples were also collected for quantification of bone turnover markers and systemic cytokines.. At the tissue level, measured by nanoindentation, tofacitinib increased bone cortical and trabecular hardness. However, micro-CT and three-point bending tests revealed that tofacitinib did not reverse the effects of arthritis on the cortical and trabecular bone structure and on mechanical properties.. Possible reasons for these observations might be related to the mechanism of action of tofacitinib, which leads to direct interactions with bone metabolism, and/or to the kinetics of its bone effects, which might need longer exposure.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Arthritis; Bone and Bones; Bone Remodeling; Bone Resorption; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Osteocalcin; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Treatment Outcome; X-Ray Microtomography

Giant cell arteritis, a chronic autoimmune disease of the aorta and its large branches, is complicated by aneurysm formation, dissection, and arterial occlusions. Arterial wall dendritic cells attract CD4. Vascular inflammation was induced in human arteries engrafted into immunodeficient mice that were reconstituted with T cells and monocytes from patients with giant cell arteritis. Mice carrying inflamed human arteries were treated with tofacitinib or vehicle. Vasculitic arteries were examined for gene expression (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), protein expression (immunohistochemistry), and infiltrating cell populations (flow cytometry).. Tofacitinib effectively suppressed innate and adaptive immunity in the vessel wall. Lesional T cells responded to tofacitinib with reduced proliferation rates (<10%) and minimal production of the effector molecules interferon-γ, interleukin-17, and interleukin-21. Tofacitinib disrupted adventitial microvascular angiogenesis, reduced outgrowth of hyperplastic intima, and minimized CD4. Cytokine signaling dependent on JAK3 and JAK1 is critically important in chronic inflammation of medium and large arteries. The JAK inhibitor tofacitinib effectively suppresses tissue-resident memory T cells and inhibits core vasculitogenic effector pathways.

Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Adoptive Transfer; Aged; Animals; Cell Proliferation; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Giant Cell Arteritis; Heterografts; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Immunologic Memory; Janus Kinase 1; Janus Kinase 3; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Janus Kinases; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Mice, Inbred NOD; Mice, SCID; Mice, Transgenic; Middle Aged; Neointima; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Signal Transduction; STAT Transcription Factors; T-Lymphocytes; Temporal Arteries; Vascular Remodeling

The progression from acute to chronic antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplant recipients is usually not prevented by current therapeutic options. Here, we investigated whether the use of tofacitinib (TOFA), a Janus kinase 3 inhibitor, was capable of preventing the progression of allograft dysfunction in a Fisher-to-Lewis rat model of kidney transplantation.. Rats were treated from the third week after transplantation to allow the development of rejection. Treatment was based on cyclosporin A, rapamycin or TOFA. Renal function was assessed at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after transplantation, whereas rat survival, histological lesions, and infiltrating lymphocytes were analyzed at 12 weeks.. Tofacitinib prolonged graft survival, preserved tubular and glomerular structures and reduced humoral damage characterized by C4d deposition. Tofacitinib was able to reduce donor-specific antibodies. In addition, T and natural killer cell graft infiltration was reduced in TOFA-treated rats. Although rapamycin-treated rats also showed prolonged graft survival, glomerular structures were more affected. Moreover, only TOFA treatment reduced the presence of T, B and natural killer cells in splenic parenchyma.. Tofacitinib is able to reduce the immune response generated in a rat model of kidney graft rejection, providing prolonged graft and recipient survival, better graft function, and less histological lesions.

Topics: Animals; Chronic Disease; Complement C4b; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Graft Rejection; Graft Survival; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Immunity, Humoral; Immunosuppressive Agents; Janus Kinase 3; Kidney; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Peptide Fragments; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Rats, Inbred Lew; Signal Transduction; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Animals; Bone Marrow; Cell Communication; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Repositioning; Humans; Janus Kinases; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Mice; Multiple Myeloma; Phosphoproteins; Piperidines; Plasma Cells; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Proteome; Proteomics; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Signal Transduction; STAT Transcription Factors; Tumor Microenvironment; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Topical administration of PR022, 0.05% hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in gel has been demonstrated to be beneficial in a chronic murine atopic dermatitis model. In a follow up study we tested a higher concentration (0.1%) of PR022 HOCl gel in comparison to the Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib, both of which are currently in clinical phase studies for treatment of human atopic dermatitis.. The effect of topically administered HOCl (0.1%) in gel was compared to a topical formulation of tofacitinib (0.5%) in a therapeutic setting on atopic dermatitis-like lesions in NC/Nga mice as well as itch behaviour. NC/Nga mice were sensitized with house dust mite allergen. After reaching visible lesions, mice were treated either topically with HOCl or tofacitinib or gel vehicle for 17 days. After termination of the study, dorsal root ganglia were isolated for ex vivo stimulation and skin samples were taken for cytokine determination in inflamed skin.. When administered onto lesional skin of NC/Nga mice, both HOCl and tofacitinib reduced lesions and scratching behaviour. The reduced inflammatory response by HOCl and tofacitinib treatment was demonstrated by diminished inflammatory cytokines in affected skin tissue from NC/Nga mice. Dorsal root ganglia neurons re-stimulated with a range of mediators of itch showed a reduced response compared to the vehicle control mice, when isolated from tofacitinib or HOCl treated mice.. These data indicate a similar beneficial potential of topical high dose PR022 HOCl (0.1%) in gel and tofacitinib, in a translational murine model of atopic dermatitis.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Ganglia, Spinal; Hypochlorous Acid; Immunoglobulin E; Mice; Neurons; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Skin

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease in which cytotoxic T cells specifically target growing hair follicles. We used high-throughput TCR sequencing in the C3H/HeJ mouse model of AA and in human AA patients to gain insight into pathogenic T cell populations and their dynamics, which revealed clonal CD8+ T cell expansions in lesional skin. In the C3H/HeJ model, we observed interindividual sharing of TCRβ chain protein sequences, which strongly supports a model of antigenic drive in AA. The overlap between the lesional TCR repertoire and a population of CD8+NKG2D+ T cells in skin-draining lymph nodes identified this subset as pathogenic effectors. In AA patients, treatment with the oral JAK inhibitor tofacitinib resulted in a decrease in clonally expanded CD8+ T cells in the scalp but also revealed that many expanded lesional T cell clones do not completely disappear from either skin or blood during treatment with tofacitinib, which may explain in part the relapse of disease after stopping treatment.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Alopecia Areata; Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hair Follicle; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C3H; Middle Aged; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K; Pilot Projects; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Scalp; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

A series of potent dual JAK1/3 inhibitors have been developed from a moderately selective JAK3 inhibitor. Substitution at the C6 position of the pyrrolopyridazine core with aryl groups provided exceptional biochemical potency against JAK1 and JAK3 while maintaining good selectivity against JAK2 and Tyk2. Translation to in vivo efficacy was observed in a murine model of chronic inflammation. X-ray co-crystal structure determination confirmed the presumed inhibitor binding orientation in JAK3. Efforts to reduce hERG channel inhibition will be described.

Topics: Animals; Binding Sites; Catalytic Domain; Cell Line; Crystallography, X-Ray; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Half-Life; Humans; Inflammation; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Janus Kinase 1; Janus Kinase 2; Janus Kinase 3; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Molecular Conformation; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyridazines; Pyrroles; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Structure-Activity Relationship; TYK2 Kinase

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only curative treatment for type-1 allergies, but sometimes shows limited therapeutic response as well as local and systemic side effects. Limited control of local inflammation and patient symptoms hampers its widespread use in severe allergic asthma.. Our aim was to evaluate whether AIT is more effective in suppression of local inflammation if performed under the umbrella of short-term non-specific immunomodulation using a small molecule inhibitor of JAK pathways.. In C57BL/6J mice, a model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation and allergen-specific immunotherapy was combined with the administration of Tofacitinib (TOFA, a FDA-approved JAK inhibitor) from 48 hours prior to 48 hours after therapeutic OVA-injection. The effect of TOFA on human FOXP3+CD4+ T cells was studied in vitro.. AIT combined with short-term TOFA administration was significantly more effective in suppressing total cell and eosinophil infiltration into the lung, local cytokine production including IL-1β and CXCL1 and showed a trend for the reduction of IL-4, IL-13, TNF-α and IL-6 compared to AIT alone. Furthermore, TOFA co-administration significantly reduced systemic IL-6, IL-1β and OVA-specific IgE levels and induced IgG1 to the same extent as AIT alone. Additionally, TOFA enhanced the induction of human FOXP3+CD4+ T cells.. This proof of concept study shows that JAK inhibition did not inhibit tolerance induction, but improved experimental AIT at the level of local inflammation. The improved control of local inflammation might extend the use of AIT in more severe conditions such as polyallergy, asthma and high-risk patients suffering from mastocytosis or anaphylaxis.

Topics: Allergens; Animals; Asthma; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Cell Differentiation; Cytokines; Desensitization, Immunologic; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Janus Kinases; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Ovalbumin; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles

Laboratory study.. To elucidate the potential involvement of the interleukin-6 (IL-6)/Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activator of transcription (STAT3) pathway in the development of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.. IL-6 plays a crucial role in IVD degeneration; however, the downstream intracellular signaling of IL-6 in the IVD is not fully understood.. The expression levels of IL-6 and suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), a target gene of the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway, were evaluated in rat and human degenerated IVD samples. The effects of IL-6 on primary rat annulus fibrosus (AF) cells were analyzed using quantitative PCR, immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting. The potential efficacy of a JAK inhibitor, CP690,550, in neutralizing the effect of IL-6 was evaluated in vitro.. A high expression of IL-6 and SOCS3 was observed in both rat and human degenerated IVD samples. In rat AF cells, IL-6 markedly induced the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metalloprotease-13. CP690,550 significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of STAT3 and offset the catabolic effect of IL-6 in rat AF cells.. Our results suggest that the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration and that CP690,550 suppresses the catabolic effect of the IL-6 in the IVD.. N/A.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Animals; Annulus Fibrosus; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Interleukin-6; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Janus Kinases; Middle Aged; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Signal Transduction; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein

The Janus Kinase (JAK) family mediates the cytokine receptor-induced signalling pathways involved in inflammatory processes. The activation of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) by JAK kinases is a key point in these pathways. Four JAK proteins, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) associate with the intracellular domains of surface cytokine receptors are phosphorylating STATs and modulating gene expression. The aim of this study was to explore the role of JAK inhibition in an acute model of inhaled lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced airway inflammation in rats through evaluating the effects of tofacitinib, a marketed pan-JAK inhibitor. Specifically, some pulmonary inflammation parameters were studied and the lung STAT3 phosphorylation was assessed as a target engagement marker of JAK inhibition in the model.. Rats were exposed to an aerosol of LPS (0.1 mg/ml) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) during 40 min. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung samples were collected 4 h after PBS or LPS exposure. Neutrophils in BALF were counted and a panel of cytokines were measured in BALF. Phosphorylation of STAT3 was studied in lung homogenates by ELISA and localization of phospho-STAT3 (pSTAT3) in lung tissue was also evaluated by immunohistochemistry. In order to assess the effect of JAK inhibition, tofacitinib was administered 1 h before challenge at doses of 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg p.o.. Inhaled LPS challenge induced an augment of neutrophils and cytokines in the BALF as well as an increase in pSTAT3 expression in the lungs. Tofacitinib by oral route inhibited the LPS-induced airway neutrophilia, the levels of some cytokines in the BALF and the phosphorylation of STAT3 in the lung tissue.. In summary, this study shows that JAK inhibition ameliorates inhaled LPS-induced airway inflammation in rats, suggesting that at least JAK/STAT3 signalling is involved in the establishment of the pulmonary neutrophilia induced by LPS. JAKs inhibitors should be further investigated as a potential therapy for respiratory inflammatory diseases.

Topics: Animals; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Janus Kinases; Lipopolysaccharides; Lung; Male; Neutrophils; Phosphorylation; Piperidines; Pneumonia; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Signal Transduction; STAT3 Transcription Factor

PF-06651600, a newly discovered potent JAK3-selective inhibitor, is highly efficacious at inhibiting γc cytokine signaling, which is dependent on both JAK1 and JAK3. PF-06651600 allowed the comparison of JAK3-selective inhibition to pan-JAK or JAK1-selective inhibition, in relevant immune cells to a level that could not be achieved previously without such potency and selectivity. In vitro, PF-06651600 inhibits Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation and function, and in vivo it reduces disease pathology in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis as well as in mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models. Importantly, by sparing JAK1 function, PF-06651600 selectively targets γc cytokine pathways while preserving JAK1-dependent anti-inflammatory signaling such as the IL-10 suppressive functions following LPS treatment in macrophages and the suppression of TNFα and IL-1β production in IL-27-primed macrophages. Thus, JAK3-selective inhibition differentiates from pan-JAK or JAK1 inhibition in various immune cellular responses, which could potentially translate to advantageous clinical outcomes in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Experimental; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Discovery; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental; Humans; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-1beta; Janus Kinase 1; Janus Kinase 3; Macrophages; Mice; Models, Molecular; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Rats; Th1 Cells; Th17 Cells; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

We evaluated an anti-inflammatory effect of topical administration of tofacitinib, janus kinase (JAK) blocker, on corneal inflammation. Topical instillation of either tofacitinib or PBS was applied after wounding BALB/c mice corneas with alkali burn. Topical instillation was performed until day 14 after injury and injured eye was analyzed. The vascularized area in the alkali burned cornea was significantly reduced in the tofacitinib group compared with that in the PBS group. The immunoreactivity of Gr-1, F4/80, IFN-γ, and phosphorylated STAT(signal transducer and activator of transcription)1 in corneal stroma was diminished significantly in the tofacitinib group. Using laser capture microdissection system and quantitative PCR array analysis, the expression levels of CXCL9, CXCL5, CCL7, CCL2, MMP(matrix metalloproteinase)-9, and STAT1 in corneal stroma were down-regulated in the tofacitinib group. In in vitro study, human fibroblast pretreated by IFN-γ showed phosphorylation of STAT1, and this phosphorylation was down-regulated by adding tofacitinib to the culture medium. These results indicate the topical application of JAK inhibitor causes down-regulation of JAK- or IFN-γ-related molecules. Therefore, we deduce that application of JAK inhibitor for topical instillation may contribute to the treatment of corneal inflammation.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Cornea; Corneal Neovascularization; Disease Models, Animal; Janus Kinase 3; Keratitis; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a complex chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology characterized by loss of tolerance against several self-antigens. Cytokines are known to be central players in LN pathogenesis. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway is one important pathway that mediates signal transduction of several cytokines. In this study, we examined the pathogenic role of this pathway and how CP-690,550 treatment influences LN outcome.. Six-month-old NZB/NZWF1 mice were divided into two different treatment groups: (1) control animals given vehicle treatment, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil treatment as positive controls of the therapy and (2) mice treated with CP-690,550, a JAK3 inhibitor. Mice were treated for 12 weeks. We evaluated renal function, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody, renal histology changes, kidney complement and immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposits, T-cell and macrophage infiltration, kidney inflammatory gene expression, and circulating cytokine changes.. CP-690,550 treatment significantly reduced proteinuria and improved renal function and histological lesions of the kidney. Compared with vehicle-treated animals, those undergoing CP-690,550 treatment showed significantly diminished anti-dsDNA antibody and complement component C3 and IgG deposition in glomeruli. We also observed a significant reduction of T-cell and macrophage infiltration. Kidney gene expression revealed a reduction in inflammatory cytokines and complement and related macrophage-attracting genes. Circulating inflammatory cytokines were also reduced with treatment.. On the basis of our results, we conclude that the JAK-STAT pathway is implicated in the progression of renal inflammation in NZB/WF1 mice and that targeting JAK3 with CP-690,550 is effective in slowing down the course of experimental LN. Thus, CP-690,550 could become a new therapeutic tool in LN and other autoimmune diseases.

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Gene Expression Profiling; Janus Kinase 3; Lupus Nephritis; Mice; Mice, Inbred NZB; Piperidines; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Signal Transduction; STAT Transcription Factors; Transcriptome

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects not only B cells, but also T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, and is associated with T or NK cell lymphoma. These lymphoid malignancies are refractory to conventional chemotherapy. We examined the activation of the JAK3/STAT5 pathway in EBV-positive and -negative B, T and NK cell lines and in cell samples from patients with EBV-associated T cell lymphoma. We then evaluated the antitumor effects of the selective JAK3 inhibitor, tofacitinib, against these cell lines in vitro and in a murine xenograft model. We found that all EBV-positive T and NK cell lines and patient samples tested displayed activation of the JAK3/STAT5 pathway. Treatment of these cell lines with tofacitinib reduced the levels of phospho-STAT5, suppressed proliferation, induced G1 cell-cycle arrest and decreased EBV LMP1 and EBNA1 expression. An EBV-negative NK cell line was also sensitive to tofacitinib, whereas an EBV-infected NK cell line was more sensitive to tofacitinib than its parental line. Tofacitinib significantly inhibited the growth of established tumors in NOG mice. These findings suggest that tofacitinib may represent a useful therapeutic agent for patients with EBV-associated T and NK cell lymphoma.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Biomarkers; Cell Line, Tumor; Disease Models, Animal; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Humans; Janus Kinase 3; Killer Cells, Natural; Lymphocyte Activation; Lymphoma, T-Cell; Mice; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; STAT5 Transcription Factor; T-Lymphocytes; Tumor Burden; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

It is well known that dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in triggering self-specific responses. Conversely, tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs), a specialized subset, induce tolerance and negatively regulate autoreactive responses. Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor developed by Pfizer for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is probable to be a promising candidate for inducing tolDCs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of tolDCs induced by tofacitinib in a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein- (MOG-) specific experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model and to investigate their effects on Th17/Treg balance in the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Our results revealed that tofacitinib-treated DCs maintained a steady semimature phenotype with a low level of proinflammatory cytokines and costimulatory molecules. DCs treated by tofacitinib also induced antigen-specific T cells hyporesponsiveness in a concentration-dependent manner. Upon intravenous injection into EAE mice, MOG pulsed tolDCs significantly dampened disease activity, and adoptive cell therapy (ACT) disturbed Th17/Treg balance with a remarkable decrease of Th1/Th17 cells and an increase in regulatory T cells (Tregs). Overall, DCs modified by tofacitinib exhibited a typical tolerogenic phenotype, and the antigen-specific tolDCs may represent a new avenue of research for the development of future clinical treatments for MS.

Topics: Animals; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cells, Cultured; Dendritic Cells; Disease Models, Animal; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental; Female; Immune Tolerance; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Multiple Sclerosis; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Th1 Cells; Th17 Cells

2014 saw the emergence of a novel rheumatoid arthritis therapy to rival methotrexate, as well as advances in our understanding of mouse T.cell biology and of the cross-talk between the nervous system and the immune system. How will these advances affect the future of rheumatoid arthritis research and therapy?

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Inflammation; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

The prevalence of allergic skin disorders has increased rapidly, and development of therapeutic agents to alleviate the symptoms are still needed. In this study, we orally or topically administered the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, tofacitinib and oclacitinib, in a mouse model of dermatitis, and compared the efficacy to reduce the itch and inflammatory response. In vitro effects of JAK inhibitors on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were analyzed. For the allergic dermatitis model, female BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI). Each JAK inhibitor was orally or topically applied 30 minutes before and 4 hours after TDI challenge. After scratching bouts and ear thickness were measured, cytokines were determined in challenged skin and the cells of the draining lymph node were analyzed by means of flow cytometry. In vitro, both JAK inhibitors significantly inhibited cytokine production, migration, and maturation of BMDCs. Mice treated orally with JAK inhibitors showed a significant decrease in scratching behavior; however, ear thickness was not significantly reduced. In contrast, both scratching behavior and ear thickness in the topical treatment group were significantly reduced compared with the vehicle treatment group. However, cytokine production was differentially regulated by the JAK inhibitors, with some cytokines being significantly decreased and some being significantly increased. In conclusion, oral treatment with JAK inhibitors reduced itch behavior dramatically but had only little effect on the inflammatory response, whereas topical treatment improved both itch and inflammatory response. Although the JAK-inhibitory profile differs between both JAK inhibitors in vitro as well as in vivo, the effects have been comparable.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antipruritics; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Inflammation; Janus Kinases; Lymph Nodes; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Piperidines; Pruritus; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Skin; Sulfonamides

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have recently been developed for allergic diseases. We focused on the 2 different JAK inhibitors, tofacitinib (selective for JAK3) and oclacitinib (selective for JAK1 and 2), to clarify the mechanism of anti-inflammatory and anti-itching potency of these drugs. In the process of detecting anti-itching potency, we observed that tofacitinib treated mice showed aggression behaviour. The objective of the study reported here was to investigate the aggressive behaviour induced by tofacitinib by using a mouse model of allergic dermatitis and the resident-intruder test. For the allergic dermatitis model, female BALB/c mice were sensitised and challenged topically with toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI). Vehicle, tofacitinib or oclacitinib, was administered orally 30 min before TDI challenge. Scratching, aggression and standing behaviours were monitored in the 60 min period immediately following challenge of TDI. Another group of male BALB/c mice treated with vehicle, tofacitinib or oclacitinib was evaluated in the resident-intruder test and brains were obtained to determine blood brain barrier penetration. In the allergic dermatitis model, a significant increase in aggression and standing behaviour was only obvious in the tofacitinib treatment group. There was no effect in non-sensitised mice, but similar aggression was also induced by tofacitinib in male resident-intruder test. Penetration of blood-brain barrier was observed both in tofacitinib and oclacitinib treated mice. These results suggest that aggression was induced by tofacitinib under some kind of stressful environment. This study indicates a possible role of the JAK-STAT pathway in modulation of aggression behaviour.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aggression; Animals; Anti-Allergic Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Behavior, Animal; Brain; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Janus Kinases; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pruritus; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Stress, Psychological; Sulfonamides; Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate

The global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic and the spread of multi- and extensively-drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) have been fueled by low adherence to following lengthy treatment protocols, and the rapid spread of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Persistence of the infection in immunocompetent individuals follows from the ability of M.tb to subvert host immune responses in favor of survival within macrophages. Alternative host-directed strategies are therefore being currently sought to improve treatment efficacy and duration. In this study, we evaluated tofacitinib, a new oral Janus kinase (JAK) blocker with anti-inflammatory properties, in shortening tuberculosis treatment. BALB/c mice, which are immunocompetent, showed acceleration of M.tb clearance achieving apparent sterilization after 16 weeks of adjunctive tofacitinib therapy at average exposures higher than recommended in humans, while mice receiving standard treatment alone did not achieve clearance until 24 weeks. True sterilization with tofacitinib was not achieved until five months. C3HeB/FeJ mice, which show reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines during M.tb infection, did not show improved clearance with adjunctive tofacitinib therapy, indicating that the nature of granulomatous lesions and host immunity may influence responsiveness to tofacitinib. Our findings suggest that the JAK pathway could be explored further for host-directed therapy in immunocompetent individuals.

Topics: Animals; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Tuberculosis

Obesity, a worldwide epidemic, is a major risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) including diabetes and associated health complications. Recent studies indicate that chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI) plays a key role in metabolic deterioration in the obese population. Previously, we reported that Jak3 was essential for mucosal differentiation and enhanced colonic barrier functions and its loss in mice resulted in basal CLGI and predisposition to DSS induced colitis. Since CLGI is associated with diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, present studies determined the role of Jak3 in development of such conditions. Our data show that loss of Jak3 resulted in increased body weight, basal systemic CLGI, compromised glycemic homeostasis, hyperinsulinemia, and early symptoms of liver steatosis. Lack of Jak3 also resulted in exaggerated symptoms of metabolic syndrome by western high-fat diet. Mechanistically, Jak3 was essential for reduced expression and activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in murine intestinal mucosa and human intestinal epithelial cells where Jak3 interacted with and activated p85, the regulatory subunit of the PI3K, through tyrosine phosphorylation of adapter protein insulin receptor substrate (IRS1). These interactions resulted in activation of PI3K-Akt axis, which was essential for reduced TLR expression and TLR associated NFκB activation. Collectively, these results demonstrate the essential role of Jak3 in promoting mucosal tolerance through suppressed expression and limiting activation of TLRs thereby preventing intestinal and systemic CLGI and associated obesity and MetS.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Caco-2 Cells; Cytokines; Diet, High-Fat; Disease Models, Animal; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Glucose Tolerance Test; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Inflammation; Insulin; Janus Kinase 3; Liver; Male; Metabolic Syndrome; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Obesity; Organ Size; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Risk Factors; Signal Transduction; Toll-Like Receptors

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a non-malignant genetic disorder of lymphocyte homeostasis with defective Fas-mediated apoptosis. Current therapies for ALPS primarily target autoimmune manifestations with non-specific immune suppressants with variable success thus highlighting the need for better therapeutics for this disorder.. The spectrum of clinical manifestations of ALPS is mirrored by MRL/lpr mice that carry a loss of function mutation in the Fas gene and have proven to be a valuable model in predicting the efficacy of several therapeutics that are front-line modalities for the treatment of ALPS. We evaluated the potential efficacy of tofacitinib, an orally active, pan-JAK inhibitor currently approved for rheumatoid arthritis as a single agent modality against ALPS using MRL/lpr mice.. We demonstrate that a 42-day course of tofacitinib therapy leads to a lasting reversal of lymphadenopathy and autoimmune manifestations in the treated MRL/lpr mice, Specifically, in treated mice the peripheral blood white blood cell counts were reversed to near normal levels with almost a 50 % reduction in the TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-)T lymphocyte numbers that coincided with a parallel increase in CD8(+) T cells without a demonstrable effect on CD4(+) lymphocytes including FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells. The elevated plasma IgG and IgA levels were also drastically lowered along with a significant reduction in plasmablasts and plasmacytes in the spleen.. On the basis of these results, it is likely that tofacitinib would prove to be a potent single agent therapeutic modality capable of ameliorating both offending lymphadenopathy as well as autoimmunity in ALPS patients.

Topics: Animals; Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome; Disease Models, Animal; fas Receptor; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Janus Kinase 3; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Inbred MRL lpr; Mutation; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; T-Lymphocyte Subsets; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

Despite the broad spectrum of antirheumatic drugs, RA is still not well controlled in up to 30-50 % of patients. Inhibition of JAK kinases by means of the pan-JAK inhibitor tofacitinib has demonstrated to be effective even in difficult-to-treat patients. Here, we discuss whether the efficacy of JAK inhibition can be improved by simultaneously inhibiting SYK kinase, since both kinases mediate complementary and non-redundant pathways in RA.. Efficacy of dual JAK + SYK inhibition with selective small molecule inhibitors was evaluated in chronic G6PI-induced arthritis, a non-self-remitting and destructive arthritis model in mice. Clinical and histopathological scores, as well as cytokine and anti-G6PI antibody production were assessed in both preventive and curative protocols. Potential immunotoxicity was also evaluated in G6PI-induced arthritis and in a 28-day TDAR model, by analysing the effects of JAK + SYK inhibition on hematological parameters, lymphoid organs, leukocyte subsets and cell function.. Simultaneous JAK + SYK inhibition completely prevented mice from developing arthritis. This therapeutic strategy was also very effective in ameliorating already established arthritis. Dual kinase inhibition immediately resulted in greatly decreased clinical and histopathological scores and led to disease remission in over 70 % of the animals. In contrast, single JAK inhibition and anti-TNF therapy (etanercept) were able to stop disease progression but not to revert it. Dual kinase inhibition decreased Treg and NK cell counts to the same extent as single JAK inhibition but overall cytotoxicity remained intact. Interestingly, treatment discontinuation rapidly reversed such immune cell reduction without compromising clinical efficacy, suggesting long-lasting curative effects. Dual kinase inhibition reduced the Th1/Th17 cytokine cascade and the differentiation and function of joint cells, in particular osteoclasts and fibroblast-like synoviocytes.. Concurrent JAK + SYK inhibition resulted in higher efficacy than single kinase inhibition and TNF blockade in a chronic and severe arthritis model. Thus, blockade of multiple immune signals with dual JAK + SYK inhibition represents a reasonable therapeutic strategy for RA, in particular in patients with inadequate responses to current treatments. Our data supports the multiplicity of events underlying this heterogeneous and complex disease.

Topics: Animals; Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Experimental; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Cyclohexylamines; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Therapy, Combination; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Flow Cytometry; Immunophenotyping; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Janus Kinases; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred DBA; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Syk Kinase

Janus kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2) are involved in the signaling of multiple cytokines important in cellular function. Blockade of the JAK-STAT pathway with a small molecule has been shown to provide therapeutic immunomodulation. Having identified JAK1 as a possible new target for arthritis at Galapagos, the compound library was screened against JAK1, resulting in the identification of a triazolopyridine-based series of inhibitors represented by 3. Optimization within this chemical series led to identification of GLPG0634 (65, filgotinib), a selective JAK1 inhibitor currently in phase 2B development for RA and phase 2A development for Crohn's disease (CD).

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Arthritis; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Collagen; Crohn Disease; Crystallography, X-Ray; Cytokines; Dimerization; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Design; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Janus Kinase 1; Kinetics; Phosphorylation; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyridines; Rats; Recombinant Proteins; Structure-Activity Relationship; Triazoles

Extranodal, nasal-type natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (NKCL) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis in which, usually, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated and oncogenic. Here, we demonstrate that STAT3 activation mostly results from constitutive Janus kinase (JAK)3 phosphorylation on tyrosine 980, as observed in three of the four tested NKCL cell lines and in 20 of the 23 NKCL tumor samples under study. In one of the cell lines and in 4 of 19 (21%) NKCL primary tumor samples, constitutive JAK3 activation was related to an acquired mutation (A573V or V722I) in the JAK3 pseudokinase domain. We then show that constitutive activation of the JAK3/STAT3 pathway has a major role in NKCL cell growth and survival and in the invasive phenotype. Indeed, NKCL cell growth was slowed down in vitro by targeting JAK3 with chemical inhibitors or small-interfering RNAs. In a human NKCL xenograft mouse model, tumor growth was significantly delayed by the JAK3 inhibitor CP-690550. Altogether, the constitutive activation of JAK3, which can result from JAK3-activating mutations, is a frequent feature of NKCL that deserves to be tested as a therapeutic target.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Case-Control Studies; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Janus Kinase 3; Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell; Male; Mice; Middle Aged; Mutation; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasm Staging; Phosphorylation; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Tumor Burden; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

To determine the effects of topical Janus kinase inhibition on ocular surface inflammation and immunity.. Ophthalmic 0.003% tofacitinib (CP-690,550) was administered topically to inhibit Janus kinase activation at the ocular surface. Male BALB/c mice 6 to 8 weeks of age were subjected to corneal thermocautery and randomized to receive tofacitinib, vehicle, or no treatment. Corneas were subsequently excised for fluorescence-activated cell sorting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Female C57BL/6 mice 6 to 8 weeks of age were exposed to desiccating stress to induce experimental dry eye disease and randomized to receive tofacitinib, tofacitinib and vehicle, vehicle, or no treatment. Corneal fluorescein staining was performed to evaluate clinical disease severity. The corneas and conjunctivae were harvested for immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.. After corneal thermocautery, it was found that tofacitinib treatment decreased the corneal infiltration of CD45+, Gr-1+, and CD11b+ cells on days 1 and 3. Transcripts encoding interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were significantly decreased by tofacitinib treatment at post-thermocautery day 3. In experimental dry eye disease, tofacitinib treatment twice per day significantly decreased corneal fluorescein staining on days 12 and 15. The corneal infiltration of CD11b+ cells was significantly decreased by tofacitinib treatment twice per day. Tofacitinib treatment twice per day significantly increased the corneal expression of IL-1RA, and significantly decreased the corneal expression of tumor necrosis factor and IL-23. Further, tofacitinib treatment twice per day significantly decreased the conjunctival expression of IL-17A and significantly increased the conjunctival expression of FoxP3.. Topical ophthalmic tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, suppressed ocular surface inflammation and immunity in experimental corneal thermocautery and dry eye disease.

Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Administration, Topical; Animals; CD11b Antigen; Cell Movement; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Dry Eye Syndromes; Female; Flow Cytometry; Gene Expression Regulation; Janus Kinase 3; Keratitis; Leukocyte Common Antigens; Leukocytes; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Ophthalmic Solutions; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptors, Chemokine

JAK3 is a tyrosine kinase that associates with the common γ chain of cytokine receptors and is recurrently mutated in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). We tested the transforming properties of JAK3 pseudokinase and kinase domain mutants using in vitro and in vivo assays. Most, but not all, JAK3 mutants transformed cytokine-dependent Ba/F3 or MOHITO cell lines to cytokine-independent proliferation. JAK3 pseudokinase mutants were dependent on Jak1 kinase activity for cellular transformation, whereas the JAK3 kinase domain mutant could transform cells in a Jak1 kinase-independent manner. Reconstitution of the IL7 receptor signaling complex in 293T cells showed that JAK3 mutants required receptor binding to mediate downstream STAT5 phosphorylation. Mice transplanted with bone marrow progenitor cells expressing JAK3 mutants developed a long-latency transplantable T-ALL-like disease, characterized by an accumulation of immature CD8(+) T cells. In vivo treatment of leukemic mice with the JAK3 selective inhibitor tofacitinib reduced the white blood cell count and caused leukemic cell apoptosis. Our data show that JAK3 mutations are drivers of T-ALL and require the cytokine receptor complex for transformation. These results warrant further investigation of JAK1/JAK3 inhibitors for the treatment of T-ALL.

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Activation; Janus Kinase 1; Janus Kinase 3; Leukemia, T-Cell; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mutation; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Signal Transduction; T-Lymphocytes

Increased serum levels of IL-15 are reported in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Here we report elevated serum soluble IL-15Rα levels in human T1D. To investigate the role of IL-15/IL-15Rα in the pathogenesis of T1D, we generated double transgenic mice with pancreatic β-cell expression of IL-15 and IL-15Rα. The mice developed hyperglycemia, marked mononuclear cell infiltration, β-cell destruction, and anti-insulin autoantibodies that mimic early human T1D. The diabetes in this model was reversed by inhibiting IL-15 signaling with anti-IL2/IL15Rβ (anti-CD122), which blocks IL-15 transpresentation. Furthermore, the diabetes could be reversed by administration of the Janus kinase 2/3 inhibitor tofacitinib, which blocks IL-15 signaling. In an alternative diabetes model, nonobese diabetic mice, IL15/IL-15Rα expression was increased in islet cells in the prediabetic stage, and inhibition of IL-15 signaling with anti-CD122 at the prediabetic stage delayed diabetes development. In support of the view that these observations reflect the conditions in humans, we demonstrated pancreatic islet expression of both IL-15 and IL-15Rα in human T1D. Taken together our data suggest that disordered IL-15 and IL-15Rα may be involved in T1D pathogenesis and the IL-15/IL15Rα system and its signaling pathway may be rational therapeutic targets for early T1D.

Topics: Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Insulin-Secreting Cells; Interleukin-15; Interleukin-15 Receptor alpha Subunit; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Inbred NOD; Mice, Transgenic; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Signal Transduction

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated, inflammatory disorder of the small intestines with a defined genetic etiological component associated with the expression of HLA-DQ2 and/or HLA-DQ8 haplotypes. The dietary consumption of gluten-rich cereals triggers a gluten-specific immune response in genetically susceptible individuals leading to a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from an inapparent subclinical disease, to overt enteropathy that can in some individuals progress to enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma (EATL). The tissue-destructive pathologic process of CD is driven by activated NK-like intraepithelial CD8(+) lymphocytes and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-15 has emerged to be pivotal in orchestrating this perpetual tissue destruction and inflammation. Moreover, transgenic mice that over-express human IL-15 from an enterocyte-specific promoter (T3(b)-hIL-15 Tg) recapitulate many of the disease-defining T and B cell-mediated pathologic features of CD, further supporting the evolving consensus that IL-15 represents a valuable target in devising therapeutic interventions against the form of the disease that is especially refractory to gluten-free diet. In the present study, we evaluated the potential efficacy of tofacitinib, a pan-JAK inhibitor that abrogates IL-15 signaling, as a therapeutic modality against CD using T3(b)-hIL-15 Tg mice. We demonstrate that tofacitinib therapy leads to a lasting reversal of pathologic manifestations in the treated mice, thereby highlighting the potential value of tofacitininb as a therapeutic modality against refractory CD for which no effective therapy exists currently. Additionally, the visceral adiposity observed in the tofacitinib-treated mice underscores the importance of continued evaluation of the drug's impact on the lipid metabolism.

Topics: Animals; Celiac Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Immunophenotyping; Interleukin-15; Intestine, Small; Janus Kinases; Killer Cells, Natural; Lymphocyte Subsets; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Spleen; Time Factors

Individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) live with a risk of reactivation, and several treatments for chronic inflammatory conditions are highly associated with such reactivation. A new Janus kinase inhibitor, tofacitinib (CP-690550), has shown promising results for treatment of inflammatory disorders, thus raising concerns of risk of active tuberculosis. Our goal was to characterize the impact of tofacitinib on LTBI using a mouse model of contained tuberculosis. Our data indicate that tofacitinib reduces host containment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and promotes bacterial replication in the lungs, suggesting tuberculosis reactivation. Tofacitinib may carry a significant risk for LTBI reactivation in humans.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Disease Models, Animal; Immunologic Factors; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Tuberculosis

The mechanistic link between Janus kinase (JAK) signaling and structural damage to arthritic joints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is poorly understood. This study was undertaken to investigate how selective inhibition of JAK with tofacitinib (CP-690,550) affects osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model, as well as human T lymphocyte RANKL production and human osteoclast differentiation and function.. Hind paw edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in rat AIA were assessed using plethysmography, histopathologic analysis, and immunohistochemistry; plasma and hind paw tissue levels of cytokines and chemokines (including RANKL) were also assessed. In vitro RANKL production by activated human T lymphocytes was evaluated by immunoassay, while human osteoclast differentiation and function were assessed via quantitative tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and degradation of human bone collagen, respectively.. Edema, inflammation, and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in rats with AIA were dramatically reduced after 7 days of treatment with the JAK inhibitor, which correlated with reduced numbers of CD68/ED-1+, CD3+, and RANKL+ cells in the paws; interleukin-6 (transcript and protein) levels were rapidly reduced in paw tissue within 4 hours of the first dose, whereas it took 4-7 days of therapy for RANKL levels to decrease. Tofacitinib did not impact human osteoclast differentiation or function, but did decrease human T lymphocyte RANKL production in a concentration-dependent manner.. These results suggest that the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib suppresses osteoclast-mediated structural damage to arthritic joints, and this effect is secondary to decreased RANKL production.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Experimental; Bone Resorption; Cell Differentiation; Cells, Cultured; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Janus Kinases; Macrophages; Monocytes; Osteoclasts; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; RANK Ligand; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Signal Transduction; T-Lymphocytes

JAK inhibitors have been developed as antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive agents and are currently undergoing testing in clinical trials. The JAK inhibitors CP-690,550 (tofacitinib) and INCB018424 (ruxolitinib) have demonstrated clinical efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanisms that mediate the beneficial actions of these compounds are not known. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of both JAK inhibitors on inflammatory and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) responses in human macrophages.. In vitro studies were performed using peripheral blood macrophages derived from healthy donors and treated with TNF and using synovial fluid macrophages derived from patients with RA. Levels of activated STAT proteins and other transcription factors were detected by Western blotting, and gene expression was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The in vivo effects of JAK inhibitors were evaluated in the K/BxN serum-transfer model of arthritis.. JAK inhibitors suppressed the activation and expression of STAT-1 and downstream inflammatory target genes in TNF-stimulated and RA synovial macrophages. In addition, JAK inhibitors decreased nuclear localization of NF-κB subunits in TNF-stimulated and RA synovial macrophages. CP-690,550 significantly decreased the expression of interleukin-6 in synovial macrophages. JAK inhibitors augmented nuclear levels of NF-ATc1 and cJun, followed by increased formation of osteoclast-like cells. CP-690,550 strongly suppressed K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis, which is dependent on macrophages, but not lymphocytes.. Our findings demonstrate that JAK inhibitors suppress macrophage activation and attenuate TNF responses and further suggest that suppression of cytokine/chemokine production and innate immunity contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of JAK inhibitors.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Cells, Cultured; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Inflammation; Interleukin-6; Janus Kinases; Macrophages; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; NF-kappa B; NFATC Transcription Factors; Nitriles; Piperidines; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Signal Transduction; STAT1 Transcription Factor; Synovial Membrane; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Recently, T cell cytokines such as IL-17 and IFN-γ have been shown to play important roles in the progression of brain injury induced by ischemia. We have shown that IL-23 from infiltrated macrophages activates γδT cells, thereby inducing IL-17 from these cells. However, deletion of the IL-23 gene in mice showed a more dramatic protective effect against brain ischemia reperfusion (I/R) model than γδT cell depletion did, suggesting that IL-23 plays some other pivotal role in brain injury in addition to its role in IL-17 induction. To develop therapeutic methods based on these findings, we examined the effect of the JAK kinase inhibitor CP-690550 and an anti-IL12/23 monoclonal antibody on an I/R model. CP-690550 efficiently inhibited IL-17 production from memory T cells in vitro and partly suppressed infarct volume increase after I/R. Anti-p40 antibody, which blocks both IL-12 and IL-23, efficiently suppressed I/R injury and improved recovery of neurological deficits. The number of IL-17-producing cells was decreased by anti-p40 antibody treatment. Thus the JAK inhibitor and anti-p40 antibody, both of which have already been under trial for the treatment of several human inflammatory diseases, appear to be promising therapeutic agents for the amelioration of stroke.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Brain Ischemia; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Immunologic Memory; Interleukin-12; Interleukin-17; Interleukin-23; Janus Kinase 3; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Piperidines; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; T-Lymphocytes

Janus kinase 3 (JAK-3) is a tyrosine kinase that has been shown to participate in the signaling of several cytokines that are believed to play a role in allergic airway disease, e.g. IL-2, 4 and 9. The current study describes the immunosuppressive effects of CP-690550, a novel, small molecule inhibitor of JAK-3, in a murine model of allergic pulmonary inflammation. In vitro, CP-690550 potently inhibited IL-4 induced upregulation of CD23 (IC(50)=57 nM) and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHCII) expression (IC(50)=71 nM) on murine B cells. Repeat aerosol exposure to ovalbumin in wild-type mice sensitized to the antigen resulted in preferential recruitment of Th2-like cells (IL-4+ and IL-5+) into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL). The importance of IL-4 in the development of pulmonary eosinophilia was supported by a marked (90%) reduction in the influx of these cells in IL-4KO mice similarly sensitized and ovalbumin exposed. Animals dosed with CP-690550 (15 mg/kg/d) during the period of antigen sensitization and boost demonstrated marked reductions in BAL eosinophils and levels of IL-13 and eotaxin following ovalbumin aerosol exposure. The JAK-3 inhibitor (1.5-15 mg/kg/d) also effectively reduced the same parameters when administered during the period of antigen challenge. In contrast, the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus (10 mg/kg) was effective only when administered during the period of ovalbumin aerosol exposure. These data support the participation of JAK-3 in processes that contribute to pulmonary eosinophilia in the allergic mouse model. CP-690550 represents an intriguing novel therapy for treatment of allergic conditions associated with airway eosinophilia including asthma and rhinitis.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; B-Lymphocytes; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eosinophils; Female; Flow Cytometry; Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; In Vitro Techniques; Interleukin-4; Janus Kinase 3; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Knockout; Ovalbumin; Piperidines; Pulmonary Eosinophilia; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Receptors, IgE; Th2 Cells