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, and IL-17F . Among these, IL-17A is the most studied and is often referred to simply as IL-17. IL-17A is produced by a subset of T helper cells known as Th17 cells and is involved in the defense against bacterial and fungal infections .
IL-17A is a potent inducer of inflammatory responses. It promotes the maturation of CD34-positive hematopoietic precursors into neutrophils and stimulates the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines . This cytokine plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and transplant rejection .
Recombinant IL-17 (Rat) is a laboratory-produced version of the natural cytokine, designed for research purposes. It is used to study the biological functions of IL-17 in various experimental models. The recombinant protein retains the biological activity of the native cytokine and is used in studies related to inflammation, immune response, and disease pathogenesis .
IL-17A has been identified as a therapeutic target in several diseases due to its role in promoting inflammation. Inhibitors of IL-17A or its receptor (IL-17RA) are being developed and tested for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions . Understanding the functions and mechanisms of IL-17A is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.