title: IL-23: a promising therapeutic target for systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Cytokine-mediated immunity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The recent identification of the dimeric interleukin (IL)-12-related cytokine IL-23 now contributes to our understanding of the fine-tuning of cellular immunity. The critical implication of IL-12 p40 in autoimmune inflammation has long been misinterpreted and until recently have studies revealed that it is IL-23, not IL-12, is the crucial factor in this immune dysregulation. Therefore, targeting of IL-23 or the IL-23 receptor is a potential therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases including SLE. In this opinion article, we will discuss the biological features of IL-23 and summarize recent advances on the role of IL-23 in the pathogenesis and treatment of SLE.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
authors.forename: Rui-Xue
authors.initials: RX
authors.lastname: Leng
authors.forename: Hai-Feng
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Gui-Mei
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Chao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Wei-Zi
authors.initials: WZ
authors.lastname: Qin
authors.forename: Li-Li
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Jin-Hui
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Tao
authors.forename: Dong-Qing
authors.initials: DQ
authors.lastname: Ye
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D053759:Interleukin-23 / Q000819:agonists / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000276:immunology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D051379:Mice; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: C515500:IL23R protein, human; D053759:Interleukin-23; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin