Interleukin-23(IL-23) is a member of IL-12 family,a heterodimer composed of IL-23p19 and IL-12p40.It extensively participates in immunologic process in vivo, regulates differentiation, proliferation and inflammatory reaction of immunocyte.IL-23 receptor compound is composed of IL-12Rβ1 and IL-23R.The pathogenic mechanism of IL-23 receptor to inflammation is associated with the disordered immune response mediated by IL-23-signal transducer and activators of transcription-3-helper T cell-17-IL-17 pathway.Monoclonal antibodies targeting to the ligands or receptors of IL-23 have been prospective in the biotherapy of inflammation.Further study on the IL-23/IL-23 receptor genes and their functions in the pathogenesis of inflammation will help us find more treatment targets.With advanced molecular biology and other technology, more and more recognition of IL-23/IL-23 receptor will appear, which can provide rationale to pathogenesy and treatment of correlated diseases.