IL-6 as a druggable target in psoriasis: focus on pustular variants

J Immunol Res. 2014:2014:964069. doi: 10.1155/2014/964069. Epub 2014 Jul 13.

Abstract

Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) is a cutaneous inflammatory disorder stemming from abnormal, persistent activation of the interleukin- (IL-)23/Th17 axis. Pustular psoriasis (PP) is a clinicopathological variant of psoriasis, histopathologically defined by the predominance of intraepidermal collections of neutrophils. Although PP pathogenesis is thought to largely follow that of (PV), recent evidences point to a more central role for IL-1, IL-36, and IL-6 in the development of PP. We review the role of IL-6 in the pathogenesis of PV and PP, focusing on its cross-talk with cytokines of the IL-23/Th17 axis. Clinical inhibitors of IL-6 signaling, including tocilizumab, have shown significant effectiveness in the treatment of several inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis; accordingly, anti-IL-6 agents may potentially represent future promising therapies for the treatment of PP.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / etiology
  • Psoriasis / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-6