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  • Review Article
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IL-17 as a future therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis

Nature Reviews Rheumatology volume 5, pages 549–553 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

The discovery of interleukin (IL)-17 and its major cell source, the type 17 T-helper (TH17) lymphocyte, has been a major step in the understanding of erosive arthritis. This Review summarizes current knowledge of the role of IL-17 in this context derived from both animal models and studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Evidence shows that IL-17 is present at sites of inflammatory arthritis and that, in synergistic interactions, it amplifies the inflammation induced by other cytokines, primarily tumor necrosis factor. In several animal models of arthritis, inhibition of IL-17 limits inflammation and joint erosion. Initial observations from phase I trials show that signs and symptoms of RA are significantly suppressed following treatment with anti-IL-17 antibodies, without notable adverse effects. The emergence of IL-17 blockade as a future therapy in rheumatoid arthritis is highlighted, along with the potential goals and limitations of this therapeutic approach.

Key Points

  • Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is present at sites of inflammatory arthritis

  • In synergistic interactions, IL-17 amplifies the inflammation induced by other cytokines, mostly tumor necrosis factor

  • Inhibition of IL-17 in several animal models of arthritis controls inflammation and joint destruction

  • IL-17 has a role in inflammatory arthritis phenotypes with a destructive disease course

  • In clinical trials, anti-IL-17 antibodies show efficacy in ameliorating the signs and symptoms of human rheumatoid arthritis, in line with preclinical results

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Figure 1: The role and influence of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Figure 2: Cytokine involvement in various inflammatory processes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rheumatology Research and Advanced Therapeutics, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Wim B. van den Berg

  2. Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France

    Pierre Miossec

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Correspondence to Wim B. van den Berg.

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van den Berg, W., Miossec, P. IL-17 as a future therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 5, 549–553 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2009.179

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