Interleukin-17 regulation: an attractive therapeutic approach for asthma

Respir Res. 2010 Jun 16;11(1):78. doi: 10.1186/1465-9921-11-78.

Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-17 is recognized to play a critical role in numerous immune and inflammatory responses by regulating the expression of various inflammatory mediators, which include cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. There is growing evidence that IL-17 is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. IL-17 orchestrates the neutrophilic influx into the airways and also enhances T-helper 2 (Th2) cell-mediated eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma. Recent studies have demonstrated that not only inhibitor of IL-17 per se but also diverse regulators of IL-17 expression reduce antigen-induced airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and Th2 cytokine levels in animal models of asthma. This review will summarize the role of IL-17 in the context of allergic airway inflammation and discuss the therapeutic potential of various strategies targeting IL-17 for asthma.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-17 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism
  • Lung / drug effects*
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Interleukin-17