Immune‑related adverse events (irAEs) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients treated with interleukin (IL)‑17 inhibitors: a systematic review and meta‑analysis

Inflammopharmacology. 2022, Apr;30(2):435-451. doi: 10.1007/s10787-022-00933-z

The most common immune system-related AEs in patients treated with IL-17 inhibitors are mucosal and opportunistic infections.

Interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors are a series of biological drugs used to treat a number of conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis, a disease characterised by immune system dysregulation and joint inflammation. Azadeh, et al. aimed to assess the risk of immune system-related AEs due to targeting IL-17 or IL-17R.

Investigators searched multiple publication databases including CENTRAL, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for RCTs and non-RCTs. The risk of irAEs in patients treated with IL-17 inhibitors was compared to the placebo or a drug-free control. Subgroup analyses were also performed based on the dose and type of drugs.

Alongside the most common AEs there were additional AEs related to immune function in patients under IL-17 inhibitors. This includes nasopharyngitis, infection and infestation, urinary tract infections and diarrhoea.