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Review
. 2023 Apr;40(2):194-203.
doi: 10.5114/ada.2022.119077. Epub 2022 Aug 29.

Interleukins 20 and 8 - less widely known cytokines in psoriasis

Magdalena Kutwin  1 , Anna Woźniacka  1
Affiliations
Review

Interleukins 20 and 8 - less widely known cytokines in psoriasis

Magdalena Kutwin et al. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis affecting 2-3% of the northern European population. Although its aetiology is not completely elucidated, it is widely accepted that activated immune cells and keratinocytes stimulate keratinocyte hyperproliferation by production of cytokines; indeed, elevated amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been observed in skin lesions and patient serum. By identifying those playing a central role in the disease pathogenesis, it will be possible to indicate a potential therapeutic target. Drugs targeting tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-12/23, IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23 and Janus kinase inhibitors have been found to successfully alleviate resistant skin lesions. However, psoriasis is a complex disease with varied cellular interactions and cytokines, and a complex receptor network. Therefore, this review paper examines the less widely known cytokines IL-20 and IL-8, their therapeutic potential and their role in skin lesion development. Although promising results have been obtained for IL-20 and IL-8 treatment, and their role in the psoriasis skin lesion development is well documented, the role of these two cytokines remains overshadowed by that of the wider systemic cytokine storm.

Keywords: interleukin 20; interleukin 8; psoriasis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Main features of interleukin 20 (IL-20)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Main features of interleukin 8 (IL-8)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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