Curriculum
Module 09 · 65 min

Immune Signaling Pathways

TLRs, JAK-STAT, and NF-κB — the wiring behind biologics and autoimmune disease.

CoreClinicalResearch
Topics

What this module covers

  • 01TLR pattern recognition and MyD88
  • 02Cytokine receptors and JAK-STAT
  • 03NF-κB and IκB control
  • 04Biologics targeting these pathways
Learning objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to

  • L01Trace a TLR4 LPS signal to NF-κB nuclear translocation.
  • L02Explain how JAK1/2 inhibitors (tofacitinib, ruxolitinib) work and what they treat.
  • L03Identify three biologics that target this pathway tree.
Expected takeaways

What you should walk away believing

  • JAK inhibitors carry boxed warnings for thrombosis and infection.
  • Anti-TNF agents revolutionized RA and IBD management.
  • Defective TLR signaling underlies primary immunodeficiencies (e.g., MyD88 deficiency).
Core summary

At the Core level

Immune cells decide what to do based on signaling cascades that read pathogen patterns and cytokines. The same pathways that protect from infection drive autoimmune disease when miswired.

Evidence-graded claims

Claims, scored A–F

B
JAK inhibitors increase VTE risk vs anti-TNF in RA
ORAL Surveillance trial signal.
F
All immunodeficiencies are TLR pathway defects
Most are not.
Quiz

Check your understanding

Q1. Tofacitinib targets…
Flashcards

Lock it in

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MyD88 deficiency presentation?
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