title: Unmasking the pathogenic role of IL-17 axis in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a new era for therapeutic targeting?
abstract: Compelling evidence suggests that the IL-17 axis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune disorders including primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). However, although several studies have been carried out in experimental models and patients with pSS, many aspects of this field are not fully elucidated. In particular, the role played by different Th17 cell subsets as well as the effects of pharmacological therapies on IL-17 balance represent an intriguing issue. Furthermore, the understanding of IL-17 axis pathogenic role in pSS may be of interest for therapeutic purposes as a variety of compounds targeting IL-17, IL-17 receptor and other related cytokines and transcription factors involved in Th17 cell commitment are under intense investigation. The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of current knowledge in IL-17/Th17 cells in pSS and discuss their potential therapeutic targeting in this disease.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alunno
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Carubbi
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bartoloni
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Onelia
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bistoni
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Caterbi
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cipriani
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Giacomelli
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy. Electronic address: roberto.gerli@unipg.it.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gerli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D058504:Th17 Cells / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D020381:Interleukin-17