Th17 Cells: Biology, Pathogenesis of Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases, and Therapeutic Strategies

• Published in: The American journal of pathology Vol. 181; no. 1; pp. 8 - 18
• Main Authors: MADDUR, Mohan S, MIOSSEC, Pierre, KAVERI, Srini V, BAYRY, Jagadeesh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bethesda, MD American Society for Investigative Pathology 01.07.2012; American Society for Investigative Pathology / Elsevier
• Subjects: Allergology; Animals; Autoimmune Diseases - immunology; Autoimmune Diseases - therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Differentiation - immunology; Cytokines - antagonists & inhibitors; Humans; Immunology; Inflammation - immunology; Inflammation - therapy; Innate immunity; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Life Sciences; Medical sciences; Mice; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Signal Transduction - immunology; Th17 Cells - cytology; Th17 Cells - immunology; Immunopathology; Anatomic pathology; Treatment; Pathogenesis; Cell biology; Helper cell; Autoimmune disease; Strategy; Th17 lymphocyte; Inflammatory disease
• ISSN: 0002-9440; 1525-2191
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.03.044

Th17 cells that secrete the cytokines IL-17A and IL-17F and express lineage-specific transcription factor RORC (RORγt in mice) represent a distinct lineage of CD4(+) T cells. Transforming growth factor-β and inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-21, IL-1β, and IL-23, play central roles in the generation of Th17 cells. Th17 cells are critical for the clearance of extracellular pathogens, including Candida and Klebsiella. However, under certain conditions, these cells and their effector molecules, such as IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, GM-CSF, and CCL20, are associated with the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergy and asthma. This review discusses these disease states and the various therapeutic strategies under investigation to target Th17 cells, which include blocking the differentiation and amplification of Th17 cells, inhibiting or neutralizing the cytokines of Th17 cells, and suppressing the transcription factors specific for Th17 cells.