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The role of IL-17 in systemic lupus erythematosus and its potential as a therapeutic target |
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| Authors: | Tomohiro Koga Kunihiro Ichinose Atsushi Kawakami George C. Tsokos |
| Affiliation: | 1. Unit of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan;2. Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan;3. Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA |
| 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. |
| Keywords: | T cells systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) lupus nephritis immune responses interleukin (IL)-17 |