JAK inhibitors may help viruses spread through the body

Researchers at NTNU found that JAK inhibitors, including baricitinib, suppress an immune signaling pathway and reduce antiviral gene activity. This may make it easier for Rift Valley fever virus, influenza A, adenovirus and SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells.

• The study was published in NAR Molecular Medicine
• Experiments used lung, eye and brain cells plus organoids
• The drugs suppress a key antiviral signaling pathway
• Researchers urge caution during viral outbreaks