The IL-17 response is amplified in SLE. Nucleic acid-containing immune complexes and other inflammatory stimuli (e.g., cytokines) induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by dendritic cells. These factors, along with others not yet identified, favor the generation of pro-inflammatory IL-17-producing T cell subsets (i.e., and DN T cells) able to migrate to target organs and inflict damage. Produced IL-17 amplifies the inflammatory response and stimulates other cell types (e.g., B cells).
