Mechanism Of Action and Pharmacodynamic Effects

The IL-17A/IL-17R pathway appears to be central in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and other immune-mediated diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and multiple sclerosis [14,19]. IL-17A is a proinflammatory cytokine and is the primary effector of type 17 helper T (Th17) cells [15-16]. IL-17A is also secreted by γδ T cells [6-7], neutrophils, and mast cells [13] found in psoriatic lesions. IL-17A stimulates keratinocytes to secrete chemokines and other proinflammatory mediators that recruit additional inflammatory cells, including neutrophils, Th17 cells, dendritic cells, and innate lymphoid cells [11,14].