title: The role of IL-17 and family members in the pathogenesis of arthritis.
abstract: Interleukin (IL)-17 is a T-cell-derived cytokine that is expressed in the synovium of patients with arthritis. IL-17 contributes to the pathogenesis of arthritis, and demonstrates additive or even synergistic effects with IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in inducing joint pathology. It is a potent inducer of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B. IL-17 also has the capacity to induce joint destruction in an IL-1-independent manner. The discovery of IL-17 family members may further elucidate the role of this cytokine family in arthritis pathology, with IL-17F a promising candidate. Anti-IL-17 cytokine therapy may be an interesting new antirheumatic approach to the prevention of joint destruction, in addition to anti-TNF and anti-IL-1 therapy.
authors.affiliation: University Medical Center Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 26-28, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. E.Lubberts@reuma.umcn.nl
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lubberts
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D020381:Interleukin-17