The role of IL-17 in systemic lupus erythematosus and its potential as a therapeutic target.

The role of IL-17 in systemic lupus erythematosus and its potential as a therapeutic target. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2019 Mar 15;: Authors: Koga T, Ichinose K, Kawakami A, Tsokos GC Abstract INTRODUCTION: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibodies production and immune complex deposition with systemic clinical manifestations. Interleukin (IL)-17-producing cells play a crucial role in disease pathogenesis and represent an attractive therapeutic target. Areas covered: This review provides an update on the possibility of targeting IL-17 in SLE. The rational for this approach as well as currently available and future targets are discussed. Expert opinion: Although human expression studies and animal models indicate that IL-17 blocking may be a promising therapeutic strategy for SLE, direct evidence for IL-17 inhibition in SLE patients is unavailable. Biologic therapies and small-molecule drugs that target IL-17 production are required for the achievement of a favorable clinical effect in SLE patients. PMID: 30874446 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Expert Review of Clinical Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: Expert Rev Clin Immunol Source Type: research