Interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 inhibition in psoriatic arthritis

The cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and interleukin (IL)-23 have been implicated variously in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). By corollary, the IL-12/23 inhibitor, Ustekinumab has been developed as an approved therapeutic for the skin and musculoskeletal syndrome of psoriasis / PsA. This review describes briefly the role of IL-12 and IL-23 in the pathophysiology of psoriatic arthritis and evaluates trial data that support its clinical use in psoriasis and different manifestations of psoriatic arthritis. The next steps towards targeting this pathway also are discussed