Role of Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) on neutrophils spreading and directed migration ability

Abstract

This study investigates the role of Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) enzyme on neutrophils ability to spread and migrate towards chemoattractant. Neutrophils stimulated by the presence of chemoattractant can spread along the blood vessels wall and then migrate towards the chemical signal in a process known as chemotaxis. Isolated neutrophils from healthy volunteers were incubated with JAK inhibitor 1 in order to block JAK1 enzyme activity. The neutrophils ability to spread and undergo directed migration was assessed on glass coverslips and Dunn Chemotaxis chamber respectively. After stimulation by N- Formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), neutrophils treated with JAK inhibitor 1 showed the limited capability to spread. The reduced spreading area suggested that the spreading mechanism may have been disrupted. Neutrophils treated with JAK inhibitor 1 were recorded with shorter migration distance and appeared to have non-directed migration towards fMLP. The introduction of JAK inhibitor 1 has disturbed the spreading ability of neutrophils and limits their capacity to undergo migration towards the chemical signal site. The findings suggest that JAK1 enzyme may have a vital role to play in neutrophils ability to spread and undergo migration.