The therapeutic potential of interleukin-17 in systemic lupus erythematosus

Document Type : Review article

Authors

1 Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a common autoimmune disease whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. However, the available evidence suggests that overstimulation of the immune system leads to a reaction against self-antigens and the initiation of inflammatory responses. The end result is an imbalance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, leading to widespread inflammation in the body of lupus patients. One of the most important pro-inflammatory cytokines is interleukin-17, which not only plays a role in the response to extracellular pathogens, but also appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Levels of this cytokine are higher in lupus patients than in healthy people, as confirmed by the meta-analysis results. While using interleukin-17 blocking antibodies to treat lupus has produced conflicting results. For example, studies have reported successful results in a mouse model and even in a patient with refractory lupus nephritis complicated by psoriasis vulgaris. However, another article stated that this cytokine is not involved in lupus disease and that its inhibition does not improve autoantibody levels or glomerulonephritis in mice. Based on the available data, it appears that the use of interleukin-17 blockers in the treatment of lupus requires further investigation and research.

Keywords

Main Subjects

medical journal of mashhad university of medical sciences
Volume 67, Issue 5 - Serial Number 5
September and October 2024

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics