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Interleukin‐17: A New Paradigm in Inflammation, Autoimmunity, and Therapy
Author(s) -
Kramer Jill M.,
Gaffen Sarah L.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2007.060392
Subject(s) - proinflammatory cytokine , inflammation , immunology , medicine , autoimmunity , interleukin 23 , rheumatoid arthritis , immune system , cytokine , arthritis , systemic inflammation , interleukin , interleukin 17
Chronic diseases, such as periodontal disease (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are characterized by a robust immune response resulting in unresolved inflammation. Inflammation is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines; recently, a novel subset of T‐helper (Th) cells was identified that plays a crucial role in inflammation and autoimmune disease. This population secretes several proinflammatory cytokines, including the novel cytokine interleukin (IL)‐17, and, hence, has been termed “Th17.” Inflammatory cytokines are implicated in the progression of localized chronic infections, such as PD, and in serious systemic pathologies, such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease. IL‐17 mediates inflammation through a receptor (IL‐17R) composed of two subunits, IL‐17RA and IL‐17RC. Drugs that antagonize inflammatory cytokines are used therapeutically to downregulate immune‐mediated pathology in conditions such as RA, although not all patients respond well to this approach. Therefore, identification of potential novel therapeutic targets, such as the IL‐17 signaling complex, may be clinically relevant for mitigating inflammatory pathology. However, the manner in which such a therapeutic may influence the onset and progression of PD is poorly understood. Therapeutics that antagonize inflammatory cytokines ameliorate inflammation and bone loss and may have broader implications for individuals with systemic diseases in which inflammation and autoimmunity predominate.