Up-regulation of IL-23 p19 expression in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts by IL-1β via concurrent activation of the NF-κB and MAPKs/AP-1 pathways

► Th17-polarizing mediator IL-1β regulated IL-23 p19 production from periodontal resident hPDLFs. ► MAPKs-independent NF-κB pathway was responsible for IL-23 p19 production by IL-1β. ► MAPKs-dependent AP-1 activation was responsible for IL-23 p19 production by IL-1β. ► IL-1Ra may be used therapeutically to inhibit Th17-driven periodontitis progression.