IL-17 has a broad family of look alike cytokines, from IL-17A to IL-17F. The main source of IL-17 are the T helper lymphocytes.^[1] Recently it has been shown that astrocytes and oligodendrocytes can produce IL-17.^[2][3] IL-17 is also produced by microglia in response to IL-23 or IL-1beta.^[4] IL-17A signals through its receptor IL-17RA and promotes the expression of numerous genes relevant to the recruitment of innate immune cells to sites of infection or tissue damage. IL-17 sits at the center of many complex diseases that integrate innate and adaptive immune mechanisms and requires careful study to maximize host protective effects and minimize host deleterious effects^[5] In an animal model of pain, constriction of the ischiatic nerve, the concentration of IL-17 was elevated around the nerve (endoneurium), 7 days after constriction.^[6] Another animal study elvaluated the role of IL-17 in neuropathic pain.^[7] The authors concluded that:

IL-17 is an important regulator of immune responses and is involved in inducing and mediating proinflammatory reactions. Using IL-17 KO mice, we have demonstrated that IL-17 contributes to neuroinflammatory responses and pain hypersensitivity following neuropathic injury. This work identifies IL-17 as a potential therapeutic target in neuropathic pain.

David J. Kopsky, MD October 2010

Referenties