The Role of IL-17 Cytokines in Psoriasis

Abstract

Megan Mosca, Julie Hong, Edward Hadeler, Marwa Hakimi, Wilson Liao, Tina Bhutani Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center, Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USACorrespondence: Megan MoscaPsoriasis and Skin Treatment Center, Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, 515 Spruce Street, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USAEmail [email protected]: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition associated with immune dysregulation. The immunologic cascade mediated by the interleukin (IL)-17 pathway plays a critically important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The IL-17 effectors (IL-17A, IL-17C, IL-17E, and IL17F) act on keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and immune cells to stimulate epidermal hyperplasia and the pro-inflammatory feed-forward cycle seen within plaque psoriasis. The IL-17 pathway is also hypothesized to modulate the inflammatory responses linking comorbid systemic diseases with psoriasis. Furthermore, the robust clinical response seen with current and emerging therapies targeting IL-17 emphasizes the importance of the IL-17 cytokines in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.Keywords: IL-17, plaque psoriasis, pathogenesis, biologics, immune pathway

Keywords

• il-17
• plaque psoriasis
• pathogenesis
• biologics
• immune pathway