Role of Interleukin- (IL-) 17 in the Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapies in Spondyloarthropathies

Mediators Inflamm. 2018 Feb 12:2018:2403935. doi: 10.1155/2018/2403935. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Spondyloarthropathy (SpA) is a unique type of joint inflammation characterized by coexisting erosive bone damage and pathological new bone formation. Previous genetic association studies have demonstrated that several cytokine pathways play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and other types of SpA. In addition to several well-known proinflammatory cytokines, recent studies suggest that IL-17 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of SpA. Further evidence from human and animal studies have defined that IL-17 and IL-17-producing cells contribute to tissue inflammation, autoimmunity, and host defense, leading to the following pathologic events associated with SpA. Recently, several clinical trials targeting IL-17 pathways demonstrated the positive response of IL-17 blockade in treating AS, indicating a great potential of IL-17-targeting therapy in SpA. In this review article, we have discussed the contributing role of IL-17 and different IL-17-producing cells in the pathogenesis of SpA and provided an outline of therapeutic application of the IL-17 blockade in the treatment of SpA. Other targeted cytokines associated with IL-17 axis in SpA will also be included.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / genetics
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Interleukin-17 / genetics
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism*
  • Spondylarthropathies / genetics
  • Spondylarthropathies / metabolism*
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / genetics
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-17