JAK/STAT pathway modulation: Does it work in dermatology?

Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT)-is an intracellular signaling pathway, which plays a key role in downstream transmission of extracellular signals from cell membrane to the cell nucleus. This pathway is activated by cytokines, which participate in inflammation, innate and acquired immune responses, and also cell growth. Recent studies point out possible disturbances in JAK/STAT pathway in various inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata. Several molecules that modulate-inhibit-this pathway are currently under investigation for the evaluation of their clinical use in dermatological diseases. A brief overview of the therapeutical use of JAK/STAT inhibitors in dermatology will be provided here.