Interleukin-17-producing T helper cells in autoimmunity

With all the incredible progress in scientific research over the past two decades, the trigger of the majority of autoimmune disorders remains largely elusive. Research on the biology of T helper type 17 (TH17) cells over the last decade not only clarified previous observations of immune regulations and disease manifestations, but also provided considerable information on the signaling pathways mediating the effects of this lineage and its seemingly dual role in fighting the invading pathogens on one hand, and in frightening the host by inducing chronic inflammation and autoimmunity on the other hand. In this context, recent reports have implicated TH17 cells in mediating host defense as well as a growing list of autoimmune diseases in genetically-susceptible individuals. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge on TH17 in autoimmunity with emphasis on its differentiation factors and some mechanisms involved in initiating pathological events of autoimmunity.