IL-17A-producing CD8⁺T cells as therapeutic targets in autoimmunity

Abstract

Introduction: The involvement of IL-17-producing CD8⁺T cells (T_C17) in various conditions, such as infection, cancer and autoimmune inflammation, has been documented in both humans and mice; however, T_C17 cells have received only marginal attention.

Areas covered: Here, we provide an overview of the cytokines, chemokines, and cytokine and chemokine receptors that characterize the murine and human T_C17 cell phenotype. We also discuss signaling pathways, molecular interactions, and transcriptional and epigenetic events that contribute to T_C17 differentiation and acquisition of effector functions. Heterogeneity and inherent phenotypic instability of T_C17 cells were shown both in humans and murine models. Aberrant expression of T_C17 cells was observed in many autoimmune conditions. Moreover, functional analysis demonstrated in vivo plasticity of T_C17 cells may be a key feature of T_C17 cell biology in autoimmune diseases.

Expert opinion: Due to its important roles in inflammation and autoimmunity, T_C17 cell pathway may have promise as a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. The strategies include the suppression of T_C17 cell generation and migration and the blockade of T_C17 cell instability and heterogeneity. TMP778 may open an avenue to novel therapeutic strategies.

Keywords:

• autoimmune diseases
• CD8⁺T cells
• IL-17
• immunity

Acknowledgments

This work was partly supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81172764, 81271759).

Declaration of interest

This work was partly supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81172764, 81271759). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Notes

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