IL-17+ CD8+ T cells: Differentiation, phenotype and role in inflammatory disease

Immunol Lett. 2016 Oct:178:20-6. doi: 10.1016/j.imlet.2016.05.001. Epub 2016 May 9.

Abstract

The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17) has been the subject of research by many groups worldwide. IL-17 expression is often associated with a specific subset of CD4+ T cells (the so-called Th17 cells); however various other immune cell subsets can also synthesise and express IL-17, including CD8+ T cells. Here we review recent data regarding the presence of IL-17+ CD8+ T cells (also known as Tc17 cells) in human inflammatory disease, discuss current knowledge regarding the culture conditions required for the differentiation of these cells in humans and mice, and describe key phenotypic and functional features. Collectively, this information may shed light on the potential pathogenic role that IL-17+ CD8+ T cells may play in human inflammatory disease.

Keywords: CD8+; Disease; IL-17; Inflammation; Tc17.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Interleukin-17 / genetics
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / genetics
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Mice
  • Phenotype
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Interleukin-17