Update on the role of Interleukin 17 in rheumatologic autoimmune diseases

- IL-17 is produced mainly by Th17 cells when in the presence of distinct cytokines.
- When IL-17 is persistently elevated it can lead to autoimmunity and tissue damage.
- Treatment with Ustekinumab is now approved for treatment of psoriatic arthritis.
- New monoclonal antibodies which target the IL-23 > IL-17 axis are being studied.
- More research is required to identify the target population for IL-17 blockers.

Interleukin 17 is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by CD4+ T cells when in the presence of a distinct set of cytokines and other cells. Preclinical and clinical studies have assigned a role to IL-17 in tissue inflammation and damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Antibodies blocking the action of IL-17 have already been approved to treat patients with psoriasis and it is expected that they may also benefit patients with other rheumatic diseases.