IL17A

It is a protein that belongs to the family of proinflammatory cytokines known as interleukins-17 (IL-17). It is produced by T cells (a type of immune cell) and has an important role in the immune response to infection and in the inflammation associated with some autoimmune diseases.

IL17A has been linked to several diseases, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, recent studies have suggested that this protein may be involved in the immune response against certain viral infections, such as human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6) infection.

Herpes virus 6 (HHV-6):

HHV6 It is a virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family. It is a common virus found in most people around the world and is transmitted primarily through saliva and other bodily fluids.

HHV6 can infect several types of human cells, including blood cells, central nervous system cells, and liver cells. The virus can cause various diseases in humans., ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infections to severe diseases of the central nervous system such as encephalitis, hepatitis and neurological disorders, among others.

The pathogenesis of HHV6 is complex and is believed to involve multiple mechanisms. Once the virus enters the body, it replicates within infected cells and is released into the bloodstream, allowing the virus to spread to other cells and tissues.

Central nervous system cells that are infected by HHV6 can be affected in their function, which can lead to neurological disorders. It has been shown that HHV6 infection can affect the immune function of the human body and alter the body's immune response to other infections.

In a study published in the Journal of Virology in 2014, it was found that HHV-6A induces IL-17A production in infected human T cells, suggesting that HHV-6A may stimulate IL-17A production. The authors also noted that HHV-6A might be involved in the pathogenesis of T-cell mediated autoimmune diseases, as IL-17A has been implicated in such diseases.

In another study published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2015, IL-17A levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with HHV-6 encephalitis were found to be significantly higher than in healthy controls. The authors suggest that CSF IL-17A production could be a marker of the severity of HHV-6 encephalitis.

In a study published in the journal Virology in 2016, it was found that HHV-6B infection can induce IL-17A production in infected human T cells. The authors suggested that HHV-6B might be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases that have been linked to IL-17A.

These studies suggest that HHV-6A and HHV-6B can induce IL-17A production in infected human T cells. In addition, they also suggest that IL-17A production may be related to the pathogenesis of T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases that have been linked to HHV-6.

Did you know that it is possible to inhibit the proinflammatory action of Interleukin 17A?

How IL-17 inhibitors work

IL-17 inhibitors work in a similar way; they go to IL-17A receptor, which blocks the inflammatory pathway of this cytokine, inhibiting the IL-17A inflammatory pathway, reducing inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases.

In addition to targeting IL-17A, the researchers are also looking at how inhibitors work further down the chain to affect interleukin-23, which stimulates IL-17 production by activating Th17 cells. The IL-23/IL-17 axis is a key area of focus for targeted therapies used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.

Drugs used to inhibit IL17 (monoclonal antibodies)

Cosentyx (Secukinumab), Taltz (Ixekizumab), and Siliq (Brodalumab)

(These three drugs are FDA-approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.).

IL-17 inhibitors are a type of medication called an "injectable" that is self-administered by subcutaneous injection given with a needle under the skin. All three IL-17 inhibitors follow a similar dosing schedule of once a week for the first month, followed by monthly maintenance dosing after the first five weeks.

Cosentyx (Secukinumab), Taltz (Ixekizumab), and Siliq (Brodalumab) are similar types of drugs, but each have slightly different dosages. Be sure to ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the specific dosing schedule for the type of IL-17 inhibitor that you have been prescribed.

Numerous studies have established that IL-17 inhibitors are generally well tolerated, safe, and provide significant benefits, however, these biologics are not without risk. In particular, IL-17 inhibitors are immunosuppressive. They dampen the immune system, increasing the risk of serious infections. Immunosuppressive therapies also weaken the immune system's ability to detect and kill cancer cells or fight cancer-causing infections.

Due to the immunosuppressive effects of IL-17 inhibitors, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider about precautions you can take.

A post “The Treatment with Interleukin 17 Inhibitors and Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases” concludes that medical professionals treating patients using IL17 inhibitors should consider the possibility of developing IBD, it is recommended to monitor patients while taking the inhibitors and once the treatment is finished.

Where to measure IL-17 levels

At Enevia Health we are proud to be able to offer the test to measure Interleukin levels. We know that many of our members need to have their IL17A levels tested, which is why in collaboration with the Teletest laboratory we can now perform this test in Spain. To measure interleukin levels you can perform a basic profile or a extended profile.