Functional Specialization of Interleukin-17 Family Members.
Iwakura, Yoichiro 1,5,∗; Ishigame, Harumichi 2; Saijo, Shinobu 3; Nakae, Susumu 4
[Review]
Immunity.
34(2):149-162, February 2011.
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: Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is the signature cytokine of the recently identified T helper 17 (Th17) cell subset. IL-17 has six family members (IL-17A to IL-17F). Although IL-17A and IL-17F share the highest amino acid sequence homology, they perform distinct functions; IL-17A is involved in the development of autoimmunity, inflammation, and tumors, and also plays important roles in the host defenses against bacterial and fungal infections, whereas IL-17F is mainly involved in mucosal host defense mechanisms. IL-17E (IL-25) is an amplifier of Th2 immune responses. The functions of IL-17B, IL-17C, and IL-17D remain largely elusive. In this review, we describe the identified functions of each IL-17 family member and discuss the potential of these molecules as therapeutic targets.
(C) 2011Elsevier, Inc.