title: Key molecules in the differentiation and commitment program of T helper 17 (Th17) cells up-to-date.
abstract: The mechanisms underlying autoimmunity and cancer remain elusive. However, perpendicular evidence has been evolved in the past decade that T helper (Th)17 cells and their related molecules are implicated in initiation and induction of various disease settings including both diseases. Meanwhile, extensive research on Th17 cells elucidated various molecules including cytokines and transcription factors as well as signaling pathways involved in the differentiation, maturation, survival and ultimate commitment of Th17 cells. In the current review, we revise the mechanistic underpinnings delivered by recent research on these molecules in the Th17 differentiation/commitment concert. We emphasize on those molecules proposed as targets for attaining potential therapies of various autoimmune disorders and cancer, aiming both at dampening the dark-side of Th17 repertoire and simultaneously potentiating its benefits in the roster of the antimicrobial response.
authors.affiliation: ENT-Research Lab, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Liebig Str. 21, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. nasr.hemdan@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
authors.forename: Nasr Y A
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Hemdan
authors.forename: Gerd
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Birkenmeier
authors.forename: Gunnar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wichmann
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms; D015398:Signal Transduction; D058570:TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D058504:Th17 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D020381:Interleukin-17; D014157:Transcription Factors; D058570:TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases