Possible role of Th17 in AS: dendritic cells (DC) could present an arthritogenic peptide derived from microbial pathogens or self-antigens to cells. The differentiation of these T cells could be influenced by IL-17 secreted by NK cells that recognize HLA-B27 homodimers and mast cells to induce the differentiation to cells that are involved in inflammation by molecules secreted, such as IL-6 and IL-8.
