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Description

Tyrosine-protein kinase JAK1 (EC 2.7.10.2, UniProt P23458, also known as Janus kinase 1, JAK-1) is encoded by the JAK1 (also known as JAK1A, JAK1B) gene (Gene ID 3716) in human. JAK1 belongs to the family of non-receptor Janus tyrosine kinases (JAKs) that regulate a spectrum of cellular functions downstream of activated cytokine receptors in the lympho-hematopoietic system. Immunological stimuli, such as interferons and cytokines, cause the recruitment of Stat transcription factors to cytokine receptor. Subsequent phosphorylation by receptor-associated JAK causes Stat dimerization, nuclear translocation, and Stat-mediated target genes transcription. The canonical JAK/Stat pathway is integral to maintaining a normal immune system by stimulating proliferation, differentiation, survival, and host resistance to pathogens. Altering JAK/Stat signaling to reduce immune cells cytokine responses represents an attractive target for anti-inflammatory therapies. Although JAK1 is a ubiquitously expressed Janus kinase activated by a wide variety of cytokines, studies conducted on Jak1-knockout mice and cells indicate that JAK1 plays a non-redundant role in promoting biologic responses induced selectively by a subset of cytokine receptors.