Interleucina-17 como Alvo Terapêutico na Psoríase

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that affects up to 1-3% of the general population. An advanced understanding of the immune-pathogenesis of psoriasis has led to the development of new drugs that refine existing treatments or target novel molecular and immunologic pathways. IL-17 and Th17 cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and immune-mediated disorders, including psoriasis. IL-17A, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is produced by Th17 cells along with other effector cytokines, such as IL-17F an IL-22, but it is also expressed by other cells of the innate immune system, including mast cells, neutrophils or dendritic cells, that are found in psoriatic lesions. For this reason IL-17 has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target. Agents that inhibit IL-17 are in development and preliminary clinical results are promising, confirming the importance of IL-17 in psoriasis<br />pathophysiology. Their selective intervention in the immune system makes them an attractive therapeutic approach to autoimmune diseases, particularly psoriasis, being possible that in the near future these novel therapies could be a valid alternative for currently available biologic agents.