ORCID
0009-0003-3263-2897 (Priessnitz)
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
DOI
10.3389/fmed.2025.1643068
Publication Title
Frontiers in Medicine
Volume
12
Pages
1643068
Abstract
This case report explores the consequences of ruxolitinib via inhibition janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and JAK2 pathways in the context of fungal defense in a patient diagnosed with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis during ruxolitinib therapy for polycythemia vera. The patient experienced a relapse of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis after antifungal treatment was discontinued while continuing ruxolitinib use. This case illustrates the heightened risk of discontinuing antifungal therapy in endemic regions, emphasizing the critical need for continued monitoring. Furthermore, this case underscores the vital role of the JAK1 and JAK2 signaling cascade, particularly the interferon-gamma (INF-γ)-JAK1 and JAK2-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT) axis, in antifungal defense. Recent studies have revealed that the loss of function in JAK1 (but not JAK2), leads to impaired macrophage activation and reduced T-helper 1 (Th1) cell responses, thereby compromising the body's ability to fight off dimorphic fungi, such as Coccidioides. Other proposed fungal immune mechanisms in the JAK-STAT pathway are discussed. Clinicians tailoring JAK inhibitor treatment options for patients must be aware of the INF-γ-JAK1-STAT pathway's pivotal role in antifungal defense.
Rights
© 2025 Priessnitz, Colore and Nicolasora.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original authors and the copyright owners are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Original Publication Citation
Priessnitz, J. K., Colore, T., & Nicolasora, N. (2025). A case displaying the importance of JAK1 and JAK2 gene transcription in antifungal defense against coccidioidomycosis. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, Article 1643068. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1643068
Repository Citation
Priessnitz, J. K., Colore, T., & Nicolasora, N. (2025). A case displaying the importance of JAK1 and JAK2 gene transcription in antifungal defense against coccidioidomycosis. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, Article 1643068. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1643068