Interleukin 23 in the skin: role in psoriasis pathogenesis and selective interleukin 23 blockade as treatment:

Plaque psoriasis is one of the most common autoimmune skin diseases and is characterized by erythematous, scaly plaques. Many highly effective, targeted therapies have been developed as a result of an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Using agents that target the central interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 immune axis, this once difficult-to-treat disease is now among the most effectively treated autoimmune diseases with major clinical improvements possible in around 90% of patients. In this article, we outline the immune mechanisms responsible for the development of psoriasis and provide an overview of the novel IL-23 antagonists being used to manage this chronic skin disease.