Th17 cells in inflammation and autoimmunity

T helper 17 (Th17), a distinct subset of CD4(+) T cells with IL-17 as their major cytokine, orchestrate the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Dysregulated Th17 cells contribute to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Candidate biologics are in development for targeting IL-17, IL-17 receptors or IL-17 pathways. Several drugs that impact the IL-17 pathway are already in clinical trials for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In this review we provide evidence for the role of Th17 cells in immune-mediated diseases. An understanding of the role of Th17 in these conditions will provide important insights and unravel novel targets for therapeutic intervention. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.