Jaks and Stats as therapeutic targets

Cytokines have critical functions in regulating immune responses. A large n umber of these factors bind related receptors termed the Type I and Type II families of cytokine receptors. These receptors activate Janus kinases (Ja ks) and Stat family of transcription factors. The essential and specific fu nction of Jaks and Stats is particularly well illustrated by human and mous e mutations. The possibility that these molecules could be targeted to prod uce novel immunosuppressive compounds is considered in this review.