Ruxolitinib attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) development as animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS)

STAT3 signaling is critical for Th17 development that plays an important role in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and regulatory T cells effects of JAK1/2 and STAT3 inhibition, we assessed the JAK 1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib effects on Th17 cell/Tregs balance. Ruxolitinib was administered to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice via oral gavage, and its effects were assessed. The expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17A and IL-10, were analyzed by real-time PCR. The frequency of Th17 cells and Tregs were evaluated by flow cytometry. Ruxolitinib ameliorated the EAE severity and decreased the proportion of Th17 cells and inflammatory markers levels. In contrast, the balance of Tregs and the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine were increased in ruxolitinib-treated mice. Furthermore, ruxolitinib markedly decreased the expression of Th17 related transcription factor, RORɣt, whereas FOXP3 expression associated with Treg differentiation was increased. Our results show that ruxolitinib may be a promising therapeutic strategy for multiple sclerosis. •Ruxolitinib ameliorated the EAE severity and decreased the proportion of Th17 cells and inflammatory markers levels.•In contrast, the balance of Tregs and the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine were increased in ruxolitinib-treated mice.•Ruxolitinib markedly decreased the expression of Th17 related transcription factor, RORɣt.•FOXP3 expression associated with Treg differentiation was increased.