ID: 186: The role of IL-17 in CNS diseases
In the past years, and clear pathogenic role was shown for Th17 cells in the development of autoimmune diseases. In particular, these cells were shown to play a critical roIn the past years, and clear pathogenic role was shown for Th17 cells in the development of autoimmune diseases. In particular, these cells were shown to play a critical role in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for multiple sclerosis. One of the major cytokines Th17 cells produce is IL-17A, a cytokine of the IL-17 family. IL-17A, as well as it homologue IL-17F bind and trigger cells via the IL-17 receptor A/C complex. We have used a series of mice with deficiencies in the production of IL-17, IL-17 receptor or the transcription factors responsible for Th17 differentiation to understand the role of IL-17 and Th17 in autoimmune CNS disease. Insights into the function of IL-17 in autoimmunity will be presented.