The IL-17 cytokine family and their role in allergic inflammation

Curr Opin Immunol. 2008 Dec;20(6):697-702. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2008.09.004. Epub 2008 Oct 14.

Abstract

Allergic diseases and asthma has long been hypothesized as the results of the dysregulation of type 2 immune responses to environmental allergens. Recent progresses in characterizing the proinflammatory IL-17 cytokine family have added additional layer of complexity on the regulation of allergic inflammation. The delineation of IL-17-producing CD4+ T cell subset (Th17) has led to the revision of Th1/Th2 paradigm and impacts our perspectives on the basis of chronic tissue inflammation. In addition, the distinctive expression patterns and biological activities of individual IL-17 cytokine member may play different roles in the regulation of the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Understanding the cellular source and targeting cells of IL-17 cytokine family member will provide the basis to elucidate the cellular mechanism underlying allergic inflammation and improve our therapeutic approaches for allergy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Immunity, Active
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Interleukin-17 / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*

Substances

  • Interleukin-17