In human organism infections often cause abnormal activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines from interleukin and interferon protein families. Infection with SARS- CoV-2 resulting with COVID-19 disease has already caused global pandemic and is a cause of nearly 250 000 deaths (1^st week of May 2020).

During the severe infection development elevated levels of IL-6 and IFNγ could be observed (both are currently under investigation as potential disease progress markers) resulting in so called “cytokine storm”. It has already been proven that both IL-6 and IFNγ efficiently activate JAK-STAT pathway. The usual treatment approach in case of infections does not involve blocking inflammatory response of organism. However in case of severe COVID-19 cases where cytokine storm could be observed. This abnormal activation occurring during cytokine storm is a probable cause of many fatal cases. Therefore blocking JAK-STAT pathway during cytokine storm would potentially decrease pathological inflammatory response resulting with less casualties.

Our group has showed that STAT inhibitors may effectively block inflammatory stimuli driven STAT phosphorylation leading to pro-inflammatory gene expression. Therefore we postulate that JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors may be part of potential anti-inflammatory treatment in severe COVID-19 cases.

JAK inhibitors (indirect STAT inhibitors)- Baricitinib, Fedratinib, and Ruxolitinib have been selected as part of potential treatment strategy combining antiviral and anti-inflammatory approach.