Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a family of pro-inflammatory cytokines that play a crucial role in the immune response. The IL-17 family consists of six members: IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17C, IL-17D, IL-17E (also known as IL-25), and IL-17F . These cytokines are produced by a subset of T helper cells known as Th17 cells, which are stimulated by IL-23 .
IL-17A, the first member of the IL-17 family, was discovered in 1993 by Rouvier et al., who isolated the IL-17A transcript from a rodent T-cell hybridoma . The protein encoded by IL-17A exhibits high homology with a viral IL-17-like protein found in the genome of Herpesvirus saimiri . The IL-17 family members share a conserved cysteine-rich region, which is crucial for their structure and function .
IL-17 cytokines are key players in the immune response, particularly in promoting inflammation. They act by binding to their respective receptors, which include IL-17RA, IL-17RB, and IL-17RC . Upon binding, IL-17 activates several signaling cascades that lead to the induction of chemokines. These chemokines recruit immune cells, such as monocytes and neutrophils, to the site of inflammation . IL-17 works in concert with other cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), to amplify the inflammatory response .
IL-17A is recognized as a hallmark molecule of Th17 cells and plays a pivotal role in various infectious diseases, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, and cancer . Recent studies have indicated that IL-17A is a biomarker and a therapeutic target in sepsis . Dysregulated expression of IL-17 has been associated with several autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis .
Recombinant IL-17 refers to the IL-17 protein that is produced using recombinant DNA technology. This technology allows for the production of large quantities of IL-17 for research and therapeutic purposes. Recombinant IL-17 is used in various studies to understand its role in the immune response and to develop potential therapies for diseases associated with IL-17 dysregulation .