Recent advances in understanding spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) in human biology and disease, with a focus on fostamatinib

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) plays a crucial role in regulating signal transduction pathways associated with autoimmune diseases, such as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The SYK signaling pathway has emerged as a promising target for various therapeutic interventions. This narrative review aims to summarize the biological functions of SYK, its role in disease mechanisms, and recent developments regarding SYK inhibitors in ITP treatment, along with exploring other potential applications.

Fostamatinib is currently the only approved SYK inhibitor and has demonstrated clinical efficacy in ITP patients, including those resistant to other treatments. It appears to lower the risk of thrombotic events, making it a potential option for patients at increased risk for thrombosis. Additionally, promising outcomes have been observed in treating warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Several other SYK inhibitors are undergoing clinical trials for various indications, showcasing their ability to influence multiple signaling pathways. These inhibitors may also address several aspects of COVID-19 pathogenesis, including thrombosis, without compromising normal hemostasis, and initial data from fostamatinib trials in COVID-19 are encouraging.

There is hope that ongoing studies targeting autoimmune diseases beyond ITP, as well as hematological malignancies and other conditions, will further validate the therapeutic Cevidoplenib potential of SYK inhibitors.