Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered that a widely used class of anti-inflammatory drugs called JAK inhibitors may inadvertently help certain viruses spread more easily through the body. These medications, commonly prescribed to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, work by suppressing immune responses to reduce inflammation. However, this suppression also weakens the body’s natural defenses against viral infections, including influenza A, adenovirus, and SARS-CoV-2.
Scientists found that JAK inhibitors, including the medication baricitinib, reduce the activity of genes that play a crucial role in fighting viral infections. By interfering with an important immune signaling pathway, these drugs compromise a key layer of antiviral protection, making it easier for viruses to establish infections and spread between cells. Researchers recommend that healthcare professionals exercise caution when prescribing these medications during periods of increased viral transmission and call for further studies to optimize their use, particularly during virus outbreaks.
Source: Read the full story at ScienceDaily
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