Interleukin-17 in Inflammatory Skin Disorders
Interleukin-17 in Inflammatory Skin Disorders
Purpose of review: Recently, a novel and unique subset of interleukin (IL)-17-producing CD4 T helper (Th17) cells, distinct from Th1 and Th2 cells, was discovered. The question is addressed as to what extent inflammatory skin diseases are associated with the actions of this newly discovered Th17 cell subset.
Recent findings: Th17 cells are involved in protection against bacterial pathogens. In addition, it is now clear that Th17 cells may also be crucial in the pathogenesis of various chronic inflammatory diseases that were formerly categorized as Th1-mediated disorders.
Summary: In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of IL-17 and Th17 cells and discuss the possible role of IL-17 in the pathology of psoriasis, contact hypersensitivity and atopic dermatitis. Whereas IL-17 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and contact hypersensitivity, its role in atopic dermatitis is still unclear.
Intact healthy skin is a physical barrier that protects the body from the continuous assaults of pathogens from the outside world. The skin is vulnerable, however, and the protective barrier function can be disrupted by different kinds of insults, such as incisions, burns, chemicals, or insect bites, all of which allow the entry of pathogens. In order to resist these attacks the skin is equipped with an adequate immune system, consisting of various types of resident and recruited cells that collectively provide protective defense and immunity.
Purpose of review: Recently, a novel and unique subset of interleukin (IL)-17-producing CD4 T helper (Th17) cells, distinct from Th1 and Th2 cells, was discovered. The question is addressed as to what extent inflammatory skin diseases are associated with the actions of this newly discovered Th17 cell subset.
Recent findings: Th17 cells are involved in protection against bacterial pathogens. In addition, it is now clear that Th17 cells may also be crucial in the pathogenesis of various chronic inflammatory diseases that were formerly categorized as Th1-mediated disorders.
Summary: In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of IL-17 and Th17 cells and discuss the possible role of IL-17 in the pathology of psoriasis, contact hypersensitivity and atopic dermatitis. Whereas IL-17 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and contact hypersensitivity, its role in atopic dermatitis is still unclear.
Intact healthy skin is a physical barrier that protects the body from the continuous assaults of pathogens from the outside world. The skin is vulnerable, however, and the protective barrier function can be disrupted by different kinds of insults, such as incisions, burns, chemicals, or insect bites, all of which allow the entry of pathogens. In order to resist these attacks the skin is equipped with an adequate immune system, consisting of various types of resident and recruited cells that collectively provide protective defense and immunity.
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