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Interleukin-23 (IL-23)

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

IL-23 is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in inflammatory responses and is particularly important in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

Quick summary

IL-23 is a key inflammatory biomarker used to diagnose autoimmune conditions.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
pg/mL
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
R&D Systems IL-23 ELISA, Thermo IL-23
interpretation: {"text":"IL-23 levels below 0 pg/mL are physiologically unlikely and may indicate a sample or measurement error.","label":"Low Levels"}; {"text":"IL-23 levels above 100 pg/mL may suggest the presence of an inflammatory or autoimmune condition.","label":"High Levels"}

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a member of the interleukin family and is primarily involved in the development and progression of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. It stimulates the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, contributing to the inflammatory cascade.

IL-23 is measured in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) and is typically found in low levels in healthy individuals. Elevated levels of IL-23 can indicate the presence of inflammatory or autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

The diagnostic utility of IL-23 lies in its ability to help clinicians identify and monitor inflammatory diseases. It is often used in conjunction with other biomarkers and clinical findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient's inflammatory status.

Frequently asked questions

What is the normal range for IL-23?
The normal reference range for IL-23 is typically 0–100 pg/mL.
What conditions can cause elevated IL-23 levels?
Elevated IL-23 levels can be associated with autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
  1. 1
    Interleukin-23: A Key Cytokine in Autoimmune InflammationSource
  2. 2
    Role of IL-23 in Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy