The Current Concept of T H 17 Cells and Their Expanding Role in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a multifaceted range of symptoms affecting almost every organ system. The prototypical pathology of SLE involves the production of antinuclear antibodies and the deposition of immune complexes in basement membranes throughout the body where they induce inflammatory responses. The genetic and environmental etiologies of this process are being intensively sought, and recently, T H 17 cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE. T H 17 cells are CD4+ memory T cells that behave as both helper and effector cell populations functioning through their signature IL-17 cytokines. Their differentiation is distinct to either the T H 1 or T H 2 cell lineage, but strongly influences development of adaptive responses, including autoimmunity. This paper details the biological functions and regulation of T H 17 cells, followed by an update of their expanding role in SLE.