For a change. I thought this a bit of interesting news
A study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) found that Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors — a class of anti-inflammatory drugs — can suppress a key part of the immune response, potentially allowing viruses like influenza and COVID-19 to replicate and spread more easily.
JAK inhibitors are used globally for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and atopic dermatitis.
The researchers say these drugs block an important immune response known as Type I interferon (IFN) signalling, which helps infected cells sound the alarm to neighbouring cells, slowing viral spread and giving the body time to mount a broader defence.
In a video interview with CTVNews.ca on Monday, NTNU researcher and study co-author Denis Kaynov compared the body’s layered immune response to a race with hurdles.
“These inhibitors remove the first line of hurdles — our innate immune defences — allowing viruses to run faster,” he said. “Without that early delay, the adaptive immune system doesn’t have time to respond properly, which increases the risk that the virus spreads rapidly from cell to cell and organ to organ.”
The researchers used a range of human cell types, including lung, eye and brain cells. Kaynov says the team later moved to organoids — simplified lab-grown mini-organs — to mimic the behaviour of full organs more accurately.
While JAK inhibitors are effective in controlling chronic inflammatory conditions, Kaynov says they may leave patients vulnerable if they become infected with a virus.
“If you’re on this kind of medication and get an infection like the flu, the virus could spread much more easily in the body,” he said. “It’s important to consult your physician if you suspect an infection while taking these drugs.”
Although the research remains in early stages, one infectious diseases specialist says the findings are worth noting.
Bogoch says the broader risks of JAK inhibitors are already well known.
It’s well established that if you take these meds you are more susceptible to bacterial infections- therefore viral vulnerability is not a surprise
“They’re not like taking acetaminophen,” he said. “There’s a well-established link to higher susceptibility to infections — especially bacterial ones — so it’s not entirely surprising that viral vulnerability is also being investigated.”
Bogoch emphasized that while the research doesn’t call for immediate clinical changes, it does raise useful questions about drug safety, especially for older adults or patients with multiple health conditions.