Interleukin-17 (IL-17) has a complex, multifaceted role in the inflammatory and immune processes in both humans and mice. However, the research findings thus far on IL-17's role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and psoriasis remain controversial. It is both atheroprotective and atherogenic in different studies. There are important clinical implications in the treatment of psoriasis with biologic therapies (i.e. IL-17 blockers and IL-12/23 blockers) and the occurrence of cardiac events. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms of IL-17 and related cytokines, and the consequences of their inhibition.
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