Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune cell abnormalities which lead to the production of autoantibodies and the deposition of immune complexes. Interleukin (IL)-17-producing cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease, making them an attractive therapeutic target. Studies in lupus-prone mice and of ex vivo cells from patients with SLE humans have shown that IL-17 represents a promising therapeutic target. Here we review molecular mechanisms involved in IL-17 production and Th17 cell differentiation and function and an update on the role of IL-17 in autoimmune diseases and the expected usefulness for targeting IL-17 therapeutically.
Keywords: T cells; immune responses; interleukin (IL)-17; lupus nephritis; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Copyright © 2021 Koga, Ichinose, Kawakami and Tsokos.