The role of T-cell interleukin-17 in conducting destructive arthritis: lessons from animal models

Description: This review describes the role of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of destructive arthritis with a major focus on studies in vivo in arthritis models. From these studies in vivo it can be concluded that IL-17 becomes significant when T cells are a major element of the arthritis process. Moreover, IL-17 has the capacity to induce joint destruction in an IL-1-independent manner and can bypass TNF-dependent arthritis. Anti-IL-17 cytokine therapy is of interest as an additional new anti-rheumatic strategy for RA, in particular in situations in which elevated IL-17 might attenuate the response to anti-TNF/anti-IL-1 therapy.
The role of T-cell interleukin-17 in conducting destructive arthritis: lessons from animal models. Lubberts E, Koenders MI, van den Berg WB. Arthritis Res Ther. 2005;7(1):29-37.