Inhibition of JAK2 Suppresses Myelopoiesis and Atherosclerosis in Apoe-/- Mice

Objective Increased myelopoiesis has been linked to risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACD). Excessive myelopoiesis can be driven by dyslipidemia and cholesterol accumulation in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) and may involve increased signaling via Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). Constitutively activating JAK2 mutants drive biased myelopoiesis and promote development of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) or clonal hematopoiesis, conditions associated with increased risk of ACD. JAK2 inhibitors have been developed as a therapy for MPNs. The potential for JAK2 inhibitors to protect against atherosclerosis has not been tested. We therefore assessed the impact of JAK2 inhibition on atherogenesis. Methods A selective JAK2 inhibitor TG101348 (fedratinib) or vehicle was given to high-fat high-cholesterol Western diet (WD)-fed wild-type (WT) or Apoe(-/-) mice. Hematopoietic cell profiles, cell proliferation, and atherosclerosis in WT or Apoe(-/-) mice were assessed. Results TG101348 selectively reversed neutrophilia, monocytosis, HSPC, and granulocyte-macrophage progenitor (GMP) expansion in Apoe(-/-) mice with decreased cellular phosphorylated STAT5 and ERK1/2 and reduced cell cycling and BrdU incorporation in HSPCs, indicating inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling and cell proliferation. Ten-week WD feeding allowed the development of marked aortic atherosclerosis in Apoe(-/-) mice which was substantially reduced by TG101348. Conclusions Selective JAK2 inhibition reduces atherogenesis by suppressing excessive myelopoiesis in hypercholesterolemic Apoe(-/-) mice. These findings suggest selective JAK2 inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach to decrease ACD risk in patients with increased myelopoiesis and leukocytosis.