Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems that has a variable clinical course and prognosis among different patients. Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most common and severe organ manifestations of SLE which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality with up to 20% of patients progressing to end stage renal disease. Despite the improvements in therapeutic options, there is a significant proportion of refractory patients and a considerable amount of damage accrual and treatment associated morbidity even among patients that respond to the current treatment modalities. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are currently successfully used in rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis patients. JAK inhibitors simultaneously block the signalling of multiple cytokines and represent a promising class of therapeutic agents for SLE which has a high immunological heterogeneity. Some animal studies demonstrated the significance of JAK/STAT pathway in the pathogenesis of LN and the possible role of JAK inhibitors in alleviating the renal inflammation in animal models of LN. This review covers the clinical data on the use of JAK inhibitors in LN patients by focusing on the clinical trials and few case reports that assess the efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in LN patients.