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The mysterious role of Th17 cells: How do they affect our immune system?
As our understanding of the immune system deepens, T helper cell 17 (Th17) has gradually attracted widespread attention in the scientific community. These cells, characterized by the secretion of interleukin 17 (IL-17), play a key role both in healthy immune responses and in various autoimmune diseases. This article will explore the formation and function of Th17 cells and their close relationship with diseases.
Th17 cells are a type of immune cell that is developmentally distinct from other T cell lineages (such as Th1 and Th2).
The formation of Th17 cells
The formation of Th17 cells involves several important cytokines, including transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 21 (IL-21), and interleukin 23 (IL -twenty three). These factors are produced by activated antigen-presenting cells (APCs) after contact with pathogens and promote the differentiation of precursor CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells. Engineered transcription factors such as STAT3 and RORγt also play important roles in this process.
Function of Th17 cells
In the adaptive immune response, Th17 cells are primarily responsible for resisting invasion by pathogens. The main cytokines they secrete include IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21 and IL-22, which can promote the production and recruitment of neutrophils, further strengthening the body's immune defense. Although Th17 cells play a positive role in defending against microbial infection, their overactivation may also lead to the exacerbation of autoimmune conditions.
In some cases, excessive Th17 cell activation may trigger autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Relationship between Th17 cells and diseases
Imbalance of Th17 cells is closely related to many diseases, especially in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and HIV. Mechanisms involved in regulating immune responses show that overactivation of Th17 cells may lead to unnecessary inflammatory responses, thereby damaging health.
Role in autoimmune diseasesTh17 cells in patients with autoimmune diseases are often overactivated. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, these cells promote bone erosion and trigger differentiation of osteoblasts into mature osteoclasts, further exacerbating the disease. The properties of Th17 cells and their ability to survive also contribute to their role in autoimmune diseases.
Impact on HIV infectionIn the context of HIV infection, a reduction in the number of Th17 cells can lead to a breakdown of the intestinal barrier, allowing bacteria to enter the intestine, which is known as microbial translocation. It further leads to chronic immune activation, which has profound implications for HIV progression. Studies have shown that increasing the number of Th17 cells in the intestine may be a potential new way to treat HIV.
Role in tuberculosis
Recent studies have shown that Th17 cells may play an important role in the development of tuberculosis (TB). For those who develop active TB following infection, Th17 multipotent T cells are often reduced. This reminds us that the activity of Th17 cells may be crucial in various infections.
The role of vitamin D
The latest studies also show that active vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) can significantly reduce the production of IL-17 and IL-17F by Th17 cells, providing a possible strategy for the treatment of Th17-related diseases.
Future Research Directions
As research on Th17 cells continues to deepen, scientists hope to use this knowledge to develop new immunotherapies to treat a variety of conditions, including autoimmune diseases and viral infections. A better understanding of the development and function of these cells may provide us with better treatment options and preventive measures.
Th17 cells show great potential in regulating the immune system, but how to use these cells to deal with various diseases still needs to be explored.
Faced with the mystery of Th17 cells, can we uncover their true role in health and disease?
