JAK-STAT pathway in the vitiligo pathogenesis and therapy with Janus kinase inhibitors

This article is a literature review consisting of two topical units. The first part of the article addresses the fundamental concepts and mechanisms of the JAK-STAT pathway. Currently, understanding the drugs’ mechanisms of action based on the Janus kinase inhibition principle is crucial. According to international studies, an increasing number of conditions with an autoimmune component are showing good clinical response. Thus, the use of Janus kinase inhibition in dermatovenerology is considered promising, for example, in vitiligo, alopecia, atopic dermatitis. The second part of the is a literature review with analysis of data on the effects and clinical outcomes in patients with vitiligo treated with these drugs.Historical cases of the first patients treated with Janus kinase inhibitors initially used in rheumatoid arthritis patients are described. Adverse skin reactions were also addressed.A clinical case of vitiligo exacerbation that occurred during these drugs therapy and the analysis of possible cause-effect relations are presented. Known skin reactions in patients on long-term therapy are listed. The initial results of a phase II trial of selective Janus kinase inhibitors used in vitiligo patients are headlined. © 2022, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.