The IL-17 pathway as a target in giant cell arteritis

The IL-17 pathway as a target in giant cell arteritis

17 January 2024 | Markus Zeisbrich, Jens Thiel, Nils Venhoff
The IL-17 pathway is a key target in the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA), a large vessel vasculitis affecting individuals over 50 years of age. IL-17, produced by Th17 cells, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of GCA, with evidence showing increased IL-17 production in affected patients. While glucocorticoids remain the standard treatment for GCA, their long-term use is associated with serious side effects, especially in older patients. Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor inhibitor, has been approved but does not fully replace glucocorticoids due to its limited efficacy in suppressing acute inflammation. Secukinumab, an IL-17A inhibitor, has shown promise in treating GCA. A phase II trial (TitAIN) demonstrated that secukinumab significantly improved remission rates and delayed relapse in GCA patients compared to placebo. These results suggest that secukinumab could be a viable alternative to glucocorticoids in GCA treatment. The study also found that secukinumab was well-tolerated, with no unexpected safety signals. Th17 cells are crucial in GCA pathogenesis, with their differentiation driven by cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-23. T regulatory cells (Tregs) are also involved, but their function is impaired in GCA patients, contributing to the imbalance that drives inflammation. The interplay between Th17 and Treg cells is critical in the development of GCA, with Th17 cells promoting inflammation and Tregs suppressing it. The IL-17 pathway is involved in various aspects of GCA, including vascular inflammation, immune cell recruitment, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Studies have shown that IL-17 is present in the affected vascular walls and is associated with the severity of the disease. Additionally, genetic factors, such as polymorphisms in the IL-17A locus, may contribute to GCA susceptibility. Secukinumab, which targets IL-17A, has shown efficacy in reducing inflammation and improving outcomes in GCA patients. It is currently being evaluated in phase III trials for its effectiveness in treating active relapsing or newly diagnosed GCA. The results of the TitAIN trial support the potential of secukinumab as a new treatment option for GCA, offering a safer alternative to long-term glucocorticoid therapy.The IL-17 pathway is a key target in the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA), a large vessel vasculitis affecting individuals over 50 years of age. IL-17, produced by Th17 cells, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of GCA, with evidence showing increased IL-17 production in affected patients. While glucocorticoids remain the standard treatment for GCA, their long-term use is associated with serious side effects, especially in older patients. Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor inhibitor, has been approved but does not fully replace glucocorticoids due to its limited efficacy in suppressing acute inflammation. Secukinumab, an IL-17A inhibitor, has shown promise in treating GCA. A phase II trial (TitAIN) demonstrated that secukinumab significantly improved remission rates and delayed relapse in GCA patients compared to placebo. These results suggest that secukinumab could be a viable alternative to glucocorticoids in GCA treatment. The study also found that secukinumab was well-tolerated, with no unexpected safety signals. Th17 cells are crucial in GCA pathogenesis, with their differentiation driven by cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-23. T regulatory cells (Tregs) are also involved, but their function is impaired in GCA patients, contributing to the imbalance that drives inflammation. The interplay between Th17 and Treg cells is critical in the development of GCA, with Th17 cells promoting inflammation and Tregs suppressing it. The IL-17 pathway is involved in various aspects of GCA, including vascular inflammation, immune cell recruitment, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Studies have shown that IL-17 is present in the affected vascular walls and is associated with the severity of the disease. Additionally, genetic factors, such as polymorphisms in the IL-17A locus, may contribute to GCA susceptibility. Secukinumab, which targets IL-17A, has shown efficacy in reducing inflammation and improving outcomes in GCA patients. It is currently being evaluated in phase III trials for its effectiveness in treating active relapsing or newly diagnosed GCA. The results of the TitAIN trial support the potential of secukinumab as a new treatment option for GCA, offering a safer alternative to long-term glucocorticoid therapy.
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Understanding The IL-17 pathway as a target in giant cell arteritis