JAK3

JAK3 is a member of the Janus kinase family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases that transduce cytokine receptor signals to STAT transcription factors. It is distinguished from JAK1, JAK2 and TYK2 by its restricted expression, being found mainly in lymphoid cells, and by its selective association with the common gamma chain (γc, IL2RG) subunit shared by receptors for interleukin-2, -4, -7, -9, -15 and -21. This exclusive partnership links JAK3 to lymphocyte proliferation and development. Consequently, JAK3 loss-of-function mutations cause autosomal recessive T-negative, B-negative severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). JAK3 is also targeted by immunosuppressive drugs: tofacitinib inhibits it alongside JAK1, and selective JAK3 inhibitors such as ritlecitinib treat alopecia areata and rheumatoid arthritis.