IL-6 as a Druggable Target in Psoriasis: Focus on Pustular Variants

Abstract EN

Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) is a cutaneous inflammatory disorder stemming from abnormal,persistent activation of the interleukin- (IL-)23/Th17 axis.

Pustular psoriasis (PP) is aclinicopathological variant of psoriasis, histopathologically defined by the predominanceof intraepidermal collections of neutrophils.

Although PP pathogenesis is thought tolargely 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 PVand PP, focusing on its cross-talk with cytokines of the IL-23/Th17 axis.

Clinicalinhibitors of IL-6 signaling, including tocilizumab, have shown significant effectivenessin the treatment of several inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoidarthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis; accordingly, anti-IL-6 agents may potentiallyrepresent future promising therapies for the treatment of PP.