Cancer ResearchArthritis drugs may weaken the antiviral defenses that block influenza and COVID-19
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are widely prescribed to calm inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology report that these drugs, including baricitinib, can also turn down an immune signaling pathway that normally protects healthy cells from viruses. When that pathway is dampened, genes that fight infection become less active, and viruses may find it easier to establish infection and spread between cells. The viruses highlighted include influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus and Rift Valley fever virus. The work, published in NAR Molecular Medicine, points to a trade-off: the same mechanism that reduces damaging inflammation also lowers a layer of antiviral defense. For people managing autoimmune disease, especially older adults who already face higher infection risk, the finding is a reminder to weigh benefits against infection vulnerability and to discuss vaccination and monitoring with a physician.
