title: IL-17A-producing CD8(+)T cells as therapeutic targets in autoimmunity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The involvement of IL-17-producing CD8(+)T cells (TC17) in various conditions, such as infection, cancer and autoimmune inflammation, has been documented in both humans and mice; however, TC17 cells have received only marginal attention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here, we provide an overview of the cytokines, chemokines, and cytokine and chemokine receptors that characterize the murine and human TC17 cell phenotype. We also discuss signaling pathways, molecular interactions, and transcriptional and epigenetic events that contribute to TC17 differentiation and acquisition of effector functions. Heterogeneity and inherent phenotypic instability of TC17 cells were shown both in humans and murine models. Aberrant expression of TC17 cells was observed in many autoimmune conditions. Moreover, functional analysis demonstrated in vivo plasticity of TC17 cells may be a key feature of TC17 cell biology in autoimmune diseases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to its important roles in inflammation and autoimmunity, TC17 cell pathway may have promise as a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. The strategies include the suppression of TC17 cell generation and migration and the blockade of TC17 cell instability and heterogeneity. TMP778 may open an avenue to novel therapeutic strategies.
authors.affiliation: Anhui Medical University, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032 , PR China . +86 551 65167726 ; +86 551 65161171 ; ydqahmu@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Hai-Feng
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Dong-Qing
authors.initials: DQ
authors.lastname: Ye
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D006576:Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D058504:Th17 Cells / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D006576:Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings; D020381:Interleukin-17; C588348:TMP778
keywords: CD8+T cells; IL-17; autoimmune diseases; immunity