Structural basis and inhibition of Janus kinase mediated cytokine signaling

Signaling between cells is mediated by cytokines, small signaling proteins. Cytokines bind to receptors on the surface of target cells and initiate different functions, such as growth, immune defense, and cell death. The signal initiated by cytokine binding is transported into the cell by proteins called Janus kinases. Although they have a central part in the signal transduction process, their function at atomic level is poorly understood. Janus kinase signaling is deregulated in several diseases, such as immune disorders and cancer. Therefore, Janus kinases are important drug targets and several drugs have been developed against them. The aim of this project is to decipher the precise functions of Janus kinases and use the information to develop new drugs to combat autoimmune diseases and cancer.