Interleukin-23 Signaling Pathway (IL-23 pathway)

The interleukin-23 signaling pathway orchestrates key aspects of adaptive immunity by promoting pathogenic Th17 responses through activation of JAK/STAT-dependent transcriptional programs following engagement with its heterodimeric receptor on various lymphoid effectors. Its pivotal role at the intersection between protective immunity and pathological inflammation makes it an important therapeutic target across numerous autoimmune conditions. The pathway is initiated by the binding of IL-23 to its receptor complex (IL-12Rβ1 and IL-23R) on immune cells, leading to activation of JAK2 and TYK2 kinases. This, in turn, phosphorylates and activates STAT3 and STAT4 transcription factors, which translocate to the nucleus to regulate gene expression, particularly promoting the production of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, TNFα and GM-CSF. Dysregulation of this pathway is implicated in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, making it a target for therapeutic intervention.

Other names

IL-23 pathwayIL23 signaling cascade

Inhibition of IL-23 signaling, blocking downstream activation of STAT3 and subsequent pro-inflammatory cytokine production