Photo Credit: AII

The following is a summary of “Role of IL-17 in Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives,” published in the March 2025 issue of Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology by Zhang & Shen et al. 

Interleukin (IL)-17 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that bridges innate and adaptive immunity. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study on IL-17, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that bridges innate and adaptive immunity, and its role in systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs), including Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)- associated diseases, and synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome. IL-17 drives inflammation in these conditions, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. 

They examined IL-17 signaling in SAIDs and showed its role in inflammasome activation, neutrophil recruitment, and chronic tissue inflammation. IL-17 inhibitors were effective in refractory SAIDs but faced challenges, including increased infection risks, paradoxical inflammatory reactions, and long-term safety uncertainties. 

The results showed insufficient data to support IL-17 inhibitors as first-line treatments, and their role in SAIDs remains unclear. 

Investigators highlighted IL-17’s role in SAIDs and emerging therapies, including IL-17 monotherapies and combination approaches with IL-1 or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. They emphasized the need for biomarker development, combination therapies, and long-term studies to improve safety and efficacy. 

Source: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12016-025-09042-5