Diversity of IL-17-producing T lymphocytes

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2013 Jul;70(13):2271-90. doi: 10.1007/s00018-012-1163-6. Epub 2012 Oct 4.

Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-17 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays critical roles in host defense against extracellular bacteria and fungi and also in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. While CD4+ TCRαβ+ T helper (Th) 17 cells are the best-described cellular source of IL-17, many innate-like T cells are in fact potent producers of IL-17. Given the increasing interest in therapeutic modulation of the IL-17 axis, it is crucial to better understand the cellular origins of IL-17 in various infection and diseases settings. While the diverse population of IL-17-producing T cells share many common characteristics, notable differences also exist. In this review, we discuss the heterogeneity of IL-17-producing T cell types focusing on their development, regulation, and function.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Models, Immunological
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Th17 Cells / classification*
  • Th17 Cells / cytology
  • Th17 Cells / physiology
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / physiology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Transcription Factors