Scientists find common arthritis drugs could weaken immunity against Covid, flu
Drugs are meant to make us feel better, either by treating disease or easing symptoms. But sometimes, certain medicines could have unexpected side effects that could make things worse, especially during a virus outbreak.A team of scientists in Norway has now found that a commonly used group of anti-inflammatory drugs called Janus kinase inhibitors, or JAK inhibitors could actually make it easier for viruses like influenza and Covid-19 to spread inside the body.advertisementTheir findings are published in NAR Molecular Medicine.These drugs are often used to treat chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.But according to researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), they may also reduce the body's natural defences against viruses."We have found a surprising and potentially serious side effect of these drugs. They can help viruses spread more easily in the body,' said Professor Denis Kainov from NTNU's Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine.In simple terms, the drugs seem to weaken an important signalling process in the immune system, one that helps protect healthy cells from being infected.When this pathway is blocked, the body's ability to detect and fight viruses is reduced.The research team tested the effects of JAK inhibitors on human cells taken from the lungs, eyes, and brain.advertisementThey also studied mini-organs grown in the lab and used advanced gene analysis tools.They found that a drug like baricitinib, commonly used for arthritis, slows down the activity of certain genes that kick into action when a virus attacks.These genes act like a security system in the body. When it's down, viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (which causes Covid) adenovirus, and influenza A can spread faster.Erlend Ravlo, the study's lead author, said the findings show that while JAK inhibitors are useful in managing inflammation, they could carry hidden risks during viral infections, especially for people with a weak immune system.'Doctors should be careful when prescribing these drugs, particularly during times when viruses like Covid-19 or flu are circulating widely,' Ravlo said.However, the researchers also said that in controlled environments, such as during vaccine development or drug screening, this side effect might actually be helpful.For instance, by making it easier to test how well a new antiviral treatment works.The scientists are now calling for more research into how these drugs work in real-world conditions.
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