IL-17A in oncology

Abstract

IL(interleukin)-17A is the most widely studied member of the IL-17 family, and has been demonstrated to play a critical role in host defense against various microbial pathogens and tissue inflammation. IL-17A-producing cells including Th17 cells are involved in human psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma, and IL-17A-targeted therapy has been proven to be effective in the treatment of some autoimmune diseases. The pathogenic features of Th17 and IL-17A cells in cancer remain controversial, and Th17 cells appear to promote disease progression, as well as be present in the vicinity of many types of malignant diseases. Strong correlations of immunosuppression, inflammation and malnutrition appearing in advanced patients with cancer seems to involve MDSC, IL-17A, and VEGF. This review will overview the basic features of IL-17A and Th17, and their relationships with human disorders such as cancer and the therapeutic strategies in oncology were discussed.