Collinge M, Ball DJ, Bowman CJ, Nilson AL, Radi ZA, Vogel WM. Immunologic effects of chronic administration of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in cynomolgus monkeys and rats - Comparison of juvenile and adult responses.
Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2018;
94:306-322. [PMID:
29454012 DOI:
10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.02.006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, targets JAK1, JAK3, and to a lesser extent JAK2 and TYK2. JAK1/3 inhibition impairs gamma common chain cytokine receptor signaling, important in lymphocyte development, homeostasis and function. Adult and juvenile cynomolgus monkey and rat studies were conducted and the impact of tofacitinib on immune parameters (lymphoid tissues and lymphocyte subsets) and function (T-dependent antibody response (TDAR), mitogen-induced T cell proliferation) assessed. Tofacitinib administration decreased circulating T cells and NK cells in juvenile and adult animals of both species. B cell decreases were observed only in rats. These changes and decreased lymphoid tissue cellularity are consistent with the expected pharmacology of tofacitinib. No differences were observed between juvenile and adult animals, either in terms of doses at which effects were observed or differential effects on immune endpoints. Lymphomas were observed in three adult monkeys. Tofacitinib impaired the primary TDAR in juvenile monkeys, although a recall response was generated. Complete or partial reversal of the effects on the immune system was observed.
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