Overview

The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) cell signaling pathway functions as part of gene transcription and immune regulation. JAK1/2/3 are intracellular tyrosine kinases, whereas STAT1/2/3 are transcription factors that activate gene expression. The JAK/STAT pathway is activated by the binding of a ligand, such as interleukins, interferons, or growth factors, to specific cell surface receptors, which then convey signals downstream through the JAK/STAT pathway. [1]

Figure 1. Receptor tyrosine kinases can promote activation of Janus kinases (JAK-1/-2/-3). Janus kinases auto-phosphorylate and recruit signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT-1/-2/-3/-4/-5/-6). Phosphorylated STAT (-1/-2/-3/-4/-5/-6) proteins dimerize. The STAT (-1/-2/-3/-4/-5/-6) dimer enters the nucleus where it binds to DNA to activate gene transcription, regulate immunity, and promote cell growth and survival. Specific nodes in the pathway that are therapeutically actionable are noted.

Pathways upstream of JAK/STAT signaling pathway:
Drug categories targeting JAK/STAT signaling pathway:

References

1. All assertions and clinical trial landscape data are curated from primary sources. You can read more about the curation process here.