Immune hyperactivity

Shortness of breath occurs in patients with asthma due to bronchitis. Essentially, it is an overactive immune system in response to allergens such as dust, smoke, pollution or other stimuli.

It is noteworthy that previous research focused on a protein called JAK1, which plays a key role in stimulating immune responses by sending signals to immune cells called phagocytes that eliminate foreign bodies.

But despite its importance, JAK1 can sometimes become overstimulated and overstimulate macrophages, resulting in inflammation, which can be seen in a range of conditions, such as Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. Janus kinase inhibitors, or JAK for short, have emerged as potential treatments for these conditions.

molecule "itaconate"

In the new study, Trinity University researchers identified an inhibitor of JAK, which is produced by the human body. The molecule, known as itaconate, was discovered to act as a kind of turning off inflammation by putting the brakes on overactive macrophages.

It also turns out to act on JAK1, and these combined patterns seem to turn off inflammation which helps fight asthma.

high hopes

The researchers also tested an itaconate derivative called 4-OI in mouse models of severe asthma, which do not respond to standard anti-inflammatory steroid treatments. The molecule was found to decrease activation of the JAK1 inhibitor and reduce asthma severity in mice.

Dr Marh Runch, the study's lead researcher, said: "There are high hopes that new itaconate-based drugs could have potential as an entirely new therapeutic approach to treating severe asthma, where there is an urgent need for new therapies."