Disease-modifying strategies: Targeting protein kinases in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders

A wide variety of immunomodulatory therapies are already available for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Through fundamental insights from basic research with a gain of knowledge in the pathological processes underlying MS, the exploration of additional medical compounds within clinical trials has been ignited. Emerging novel medications with innovative mechanisms of action are being introduced. Those mechanisms of action include a broad therapeutic spectrum of substances targeting various protein kinases, some of which could also be used for the treatment of other autoimmune-mediated diseases. The advancement of new compounds could therefore enable a more personalized approach in treating MS, taking into consideration patients' co-existing autoimmune-mediated diseases. In this review, we discuss potential compounds targeting protein kinases, currently under investigation in clinical trials for various autoimmune diseases that could become viable treatment options for MS and comorbid autoimmune conditions in the future. • Choosing an appropriate therapy for MS and comorbid autoimmune diseases is crucial. • Protein kinases exert positive and negative effects on comorbid autoimmune diseases. • An overview of protein kinases in MS and comorbid autoimmune diseases is provided. • JAK inhibitors might be associated with demyelinating disorders. • No clinical trials on JAK inhibitors in MS patients have been published yet.