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Th17 cells in autoimmune diseases

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Abstract

Th17 cells are a new subset of CD4+ T cells involved in the clearance of extracellular pathogens and fungi. Accumulating evidence suggests that Th17 cells and their signature cytokines have a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Here, we summarize recent research progress on Th17 function in the development and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. We also propose to identify new small molecule compounds to manipulate Th17 function for potential therapeutic application to treat human autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China

    Lei Han, Xiuwen Wang & Ling Lv

  2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Molecular Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China

    Jing Yang, Dan Li & Bin Li

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  1. Lei Han
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Han, L., Yang, J., Wang, X. et al. Th17 cells in autoimmune diseases. Front. Med. 9, 10–19 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11684-015-0388-9

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