Induction, function and regulation of IL-17-producing T cells

Recent reports have provided convincing evidence that IL-17-producing T cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of organ-specific autoimmune diseases, a function previously attributed exclusively to IFN-gamma-secreting Th1 cells. Furthermore, it appears that IL-17-producing T cells can also function with Th1 cells to mediate protective immunity to pathogens. Although much of the focus has been on IL-17-secreting CD4(+) T cells, termed Th17 cells, CD8(+) T cells, gamma delta T cells and NKT cells are also capable of secreting IL-17. The differentiation of Th17 cells from naive T cells appears to involve signals from TGF-beta, IL-6, IL-21, IL-1 beta and IL-23. Furthermore, IL-1 alpha or IL-1 beta in synergy with IL-23 can promote IL-17 secretion from memory T cells. The induction or function of Th17 cells is regulated by cytokines secreted by the other major subtypes of T cells, including IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10 and at high concentrations, TGF-beta. The main function of IL-17-secreting T cells is to mediate inflammation, by stimulating production of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6, and inflammatory chemokines that promote the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages.