Distinct roles of interleukin-17 and T helper 17 cells among autoimmune diseases

摘要

Interleukin (IL)-17 and T helper 17 (TH17) cells, a distinct subset of CD4+ T cells which promotes the expression of IL-17, mediate host defensive mechanisms to various infections and are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis, and rheumatic diseases. IL-17 inhibitors have shown to be effective in psoriasis, but failed to demonstrate response in IBD. Further, clinical trials of IL-17 inhibitors reported some cases of new onset IBD. We aim to discuss the roles of IL-17 and TH17 cells among autoimmune diseases and the possible immunological mechanisms of new onset IBD in patients undergoing IL-17 inhibitors.