The Biological Functions of T Helper 17 Cell Effector Cytokines in Inflammation

Overview

Journal Immunity

Publisher Cell Press

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2008 Apr 11

PMID 18400188

Citations 750

Authors

Wenjun Ouyang

Jay K Kolls

Yan Zheng

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

T helper 17 (Th17) cells belong to a recently identified T helper subset, in addition to the traditional Th1 and Th2 subsets. These cells are characterized as preferential producers of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22. Th17 cells and their effector cytokines mediate host defensive mechanisms to various infections, especially extracellular bacteria infections, and are involved in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. The receptors for IL-17 and IL-22 are broadly expressed on various epithelial tissues. The effector cytokines of Th17 cells, therefore, mediate the crucial crosstalk between immune system and tissues, and play indispensable roles in tissue immunity.

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