Janus kinase inhibitors in dermatology: Part II. A comprehensive review

Abstract

The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) intracellular signaling pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory dermatoses. Clinical trials and other studies have demonstrated the efficacy of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of a variety of dermatologic conditions. Here we review JAK inhibitors currently under investigation for the treatment of alopecia areata, vitiligo, sarcoidosis, necrobiosis lipoidica, granuloma annulare, and systemic lupus erythematosus with a special emphasis on safety and the implications of JAK inhibitors during the novel coronavirus 2019 pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; JAK inhibitor; JAK-STAT pathway; Janus kinase inhibitor; Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway; coronavirus; dermatology; immunodermatology; immunology; review.