Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease of unknown etiology. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of psoriasis suggest that IL-17 is a key proinflammatory mediator present in the skin. Several agents targeting IL-17 or its receptor are in clinical trials for the treatment of psoriasis. This review focuses on the biological rationale and the results of clinical trials with ixekizumab, a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody. Ixekizumab binds the IL-17A homodimer, thereby blocking the binding of IL-17A to the IL-17 receptor. The currently available Phase I-III data indicate that ixekizumab is a promising drug, although long-term data of efficacy and safety are needed before ixekizumab and other IL-17 targeting therapeutics can find their place in clinical practice.
Keywords: IL-17A; IL-17F; IL-22; ixekinumab; psoriasis.