title: The potential of interleukin 12 inhibition in the treatment of psoriasis.
abstract: Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is an important cytokine produced by a variety of immune effector cells that leads to a type 1 helper T cell (Th1) response. IL-12 also directs T cells to the skin via induction of cutaneous lymphocyte antigen (CLA) expression. In this article we report the current understanding of the immunobiology of IL-12, reviewing its structure, receptor, and function. We also discuss the role of IL-12 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Some effective conventional psoriasis treatments alter IL-12 levels. Importantly, specific antibodies directed against IL-12 may prove useful against psoriasis but may also act by targeting IL-23 in addition to IL-12.
authors.affiliation: Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rosmarin
authors.forename: Bruce E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Strober
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D053707:Receptors, Interleukin-12
chemical_list: D018123:Receptors, Interleukin; D053707:Receptors, Interleukin-12; D018664:Interleukin-12