Interleukin-23 as a potential therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis.
Cytokine-mediated immunity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Increasing evidence has revealed the importance of IL-23, which closely resembles IL-12 structurally and immunologically, in linking innate and adaptive immunity. IL-23, a newly identified heterodimeric pro-inflammatory cytokine, is composed of a p40 subunit in common with IL-12 and a unique p19 subunit. Recent evidence suggests that IL-23, rather than IL-12, is the crucial factor in the pathogenesis of various immune-mediated disorders. In addition, recent studies have explored the role of IL-23 in patients with RA. An elevated expression of IL-23 has been demonstrated in the synovial fibroblasts and plasma of patients with RA. Moreover, an association between IL-23 and IL-23R polymorphisms with susceptibility to RA has been reported. Therefore, the targeting of IL-23 or the IL-23 receptor has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for RA. In this review we will discuss the biological features of IL-23, and summarize recent advances in our understanding of the role of IL-23 in the pathogenesis and treatment of RA.
College of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
Chao
C
Rong
Wei
W
Hu
Fan-rong
FR
Wu
Xiao-juan
XJ
Cao
Fei-hu
FH
Chen
D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D053759:Interleukin-23 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000378:metabolism
C515500:IL23R protein, human; D053759:Interleukin-23; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin