JAK3 Background Information JAK3 (Janus kinase 3) belongs to the family of non-receptor Janus tyrosine kinases, which regulate a spectrum of cellular functions downstream of activated cytokine receptors in the lympho-hematopoietic system. Immunological stimuli, such as interferons and cytokines, induce recruitment of Stat transcription factors to cytokine receptor-associated JAK3. JAK3 then phosphorylates proximal Stat factors, which subsequently dimerize, translocate to the nucleus and bind to cis elements upstream of target gene promoters to regulate transcription. The canonical JAK/Stat pathway is integral to maintaining a normal immune system, stimulating proliferation, differentiation, survival and host resistance to pathogens. Altering JAK/Stat signaling to reduce cytokine induced pro-inflammatory responses represents an attractive target for anti-inflammatory therapies.
