Interleukin-17-producing T cells in lupus.
OBJECTIVE
Interleukin-17 (IL-17) has emerged as a key cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this article, we review recently produced evidence obtained in patients and murine models of lupus that link increased IL-17 production with lupus pathology and discuss the potential roles IL-17 may play in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.


RESULTS
IL-17 may promote autoantibody production and IL-17-producing cells are found in afflicted organs in humans and lupus-prone mice. TH17 and CD3+CD4-CD8- cells are expanded in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and account for the increased production of IL-17. Genetic silencing of genes involved in the increased production of IL-17 in lupus-prone mice as well as treatment of mice with lupus using biologic agents that result in decreased IL-17 production leads invariably to disease mitigation.


CONCLUSIONS
The presented evidence strongly argues for the introduction of IL-17-suppressing biologics in the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Crispín
José C
JC
Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Tsokos
George C
GC
D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies; D020381:Interleukin-17