Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is involved in inflammatory functions and host protection against specific pathogens, and is important in inducing specific chemokines (eg, interleukin 8 and C-C motif chemokine ligand 20) that recruit leukocytes such as neutrophils. Several cell types have been shown to produce IL-17, including, but not limited to

• T cells
• innate lymphoid cells
• granulocytes, and
• macrophages.1-3

Interleukin-17A is an important cytokine involved in the immunopathology of axial spondyloarthritis, including

• inflammation 
• bone erosion
• dysregulated bone formation
• enthesitis, and
• synovitis.4

Ixekizumab is a humanized immunoglobulin G subclass 4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody that selectively binds with the IL-17A cytokine and inhibits its interaction with its receptor. Disruption of IL-17 binding to its receptor inhibits the release of proinflammatory effectors, including cytokines and chemokines which in turn can result in a reduction or inhibition of the inflammatory pathogenic mechanisms described above.1-3

Ixekizumab selectively binds to IL-17A. Ixekizumab was engineered to have an amino acid point mutation in the hinge region to prevent the formation of half antibodies, and thus reduce antibody heterogeneity.5

TALTZ® (ixekizumab) injection, for subcutaneous administration, Lilly

The published references below are available by contacting 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).