Th17 Cells in Autoimmune and Infectious Diseases

Zambrano-Zaragoza, José Francisco; Romo-Martínez, Enrique Jhonatan; Durán-Avelar, Ma. de Jesús; García-Magallanes, Noemí; Vibanco-Pérez, Norberto

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/651503

International Journal of Inflammation

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Review Article | Open Access

Volume 2014 | Article ID 651503 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/651503

Th17 Cells in Autoimmune and Infectious Diseases

José Francisco Zambrano-Zaragoza,¹Enrique Jhonatan Romo-Martínez,²Ma. de Jesús Durán-Avelar,¹Noemí García-Magallanes,²and Norberto Vibanco-Pérez¹

Academic Editor: Francesco Maione

Received14 Jun 2014

Accepted20 Jul 2014

Published03 Aug 2014

Abstract

The view of CD4 T-cell-mediated immunity as a balance between distinct lineages of Th1 and Th2 cells has changed dramatically. Identification of the IL-17 family of cytokines and of the fact that IL-23 mediates the expansion of IL-17-producing T cells uncovered a new subset of Th cells designated Th17 cells, which have emerged as a third independent T-cell subset that may play an essential role in protection against certain extracellular pathogens. Moreover, Th17 cells have been extensively analyzed because of their strong association with inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases. Also, they appear to be critical for controlling these disorders. Similar to Th1 and Th2 cells, Th17 cells require specific cytokines and transcription factors for their differentiation. Th17 cells have been characterized as one of the major pathogenic Th cell populations underlying the development of many autoimmune diseases, and they are enhanced and stabilized by IL-23. The characteristics of Th17 cells, cytokines, and their sources, as well as their role in infectious and autoimmune diseases, are discussed in this review.

1. Introduction

CD4+ T cells play an important role in the initiation of immune responses by providing help to other cells and taking on a variety of effector functions during immune reactions. Upon antigenic stimulation, naïve CD4+ T cells activate, expand, and differentiate into different effector subsets called T helpers—(Th) Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, and Th22—that are characterized by the production of distinct cytokines and effector functions [1]. Th17 cells have been identified as one of the major pathogenic Th cell populations underlying the development of many autoimmune diseases, and it is known that IL-23 enhances and stabilizes them [2].

The main functions of the immune system are to recognize and subsequently eliminate foreign antigens, to induce immunologic memory, and to develop tolerance to self-antigens. Effective immunologic homeostasis relies on a continual balance among several factors, including Th cell activation and suppression by regulatory T cells (Treg). When homeostasis is disrupted and the immune system responds in favor of activation, the host becomes susceptible to autoimmunity [3].

The identification of the IL-17 family of cytokines and the finding that IL-23 mediates the expansion of IL-17-producing T cells led to the discovery of a new subset of Th cells designated Th17 cells. Similar to Th1 and Th2 cells, Th17 cells require specific cytokines and transcription factors for their differentiation.

Th17 cells have an important role in inducing the inflammatory process [3], the immediate protective response of the body to foreign pathogens; however, the immune response needs to be controlled to avoid injury mediated by the immune response in the form of chronic inflammation. CD4+ T cells are the first line of defense and they play a major role in the induction and regulation of immune responses, mainly by secreting cytokines. After antigenic stimulus, naïve CD4+ T cells may differentiate into effector T cells. Th1 and Th2 are the classical subsets involved in the immune response. Th1 secrete interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-2, while Th2 produce IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5 [4, 5]. However, the T-cell subsets have been expanded, and Th17 cells have been described as a novel subset of the specialized Th cells lineage that produces IL-17 but not IFN-γ or IL-4 [6]. These cells are potent inducers of tissue inflammation and require TGFβ in combination with other cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-23 for their differentiation [7].

2. Th17 Cells: Who Are They?

The T-cell subsets involved in inflammatory reactions are mainly Th1 and Th17. There is evidence that Th17 cells can be generated from effector memory CD4+ T cells. The involvement of such cytokines as IL-6, TGFβ, IL-21, and IL-23 in the development of Th17 cells has been described clearly [8].

Th17 cells, first described in mice, are the major source of IL-17 in many types of adaptive immunity [6]. While Th1 and Th2 cells provide effector responses to intracellular bacterial infections and parasitic pathogens, respectively, Th17 cells offer protection against extracellular bacterial and fungal infections and have been implicated in autoimmunity. Th17 cells secrete different cytokines (IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22) and their differentiation requires a novel set of transcription factors that includes a signal transducer and the activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ), the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor a, the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B (NF-kB) cells, a zeta inhibitor (IkBf), and basic leucine zipper transcription factor (Batf) [9, 10].

Th17 differentiation in mice requires initiation by TGFβ and IL-6, expansion by IL-21, and stabilization by IL-23 [11]. In humans, the combination of TGFβ and IL-21 was sufficient to induce differentiation from naïve T cells; indeed, TGFβ plus IL-21 or TGFβ plus IL-6 and IL-23 or IL-6 and IL-21 can induce expression of RORγ. IL-1β plus IL-6 have been shown to be important in enhancing the amplification of Th17 cells and the production of IL-23 to maintain the Th17 cell population [4, 12].

2.1. The IL-17 Family

The IL-17 family comprises cytokines that participate in inflammatory responses and in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disorders. There are six members in this family: IL-17A (also called IL-17 or CTLA8), IL-17B, IL-17C, IL-17D, IL-17E (or IL-25), and IL-17F. Their receptors form a family that contains five members (IL-17RA, IL-17RB, IL-17RC, IL-17RD, and IL-17RE). The IL-17 cytokines show high homology to IL-17A (16% to 50% of amino acid sequence identity), while the other members of this family and the IL-17 family receptors show structural homology among their members [5, 13].

IL-17A was discovered in 1993 and was found to have a homology to an open reading frame encoded within the Herpes virus Saimiri. IL-17A can lead to neutrophil recruitment, inflammation, and host defense, but pathological production leads to excessive inflammation and overt tissue damage [5, 14].

The cellular sources and regulation of IL-17F are similar to those of IL-17A. The genes that encode IL-17A and IL-17F are located on chromosome 6. IL-17E (or IL-25) shows the lowest similarity to IL-17A in terms of the amino acid sequence and also promotes Th2 cell-mediated immune responses, thereby contributing to allergic disease and defense against helminthic parasites [10, 15]. IL-17C is produced in epithelial cells and keratinocytes in response to pathogens or inflammatory cytokines and also promotes IL-17 production. Moreover, IL-17C induced TNFα and IL-1β production in the human monocytic cell line THP1 and mouse peritoneal exudate cells [16, 17]. In contrast, IL-17B and IL-17D are poorly studied and their biological functions are still unclear. However, forced expression of IL-17D in edited mouse tumor cells induced rejection by leading to the recruitment of NK cells [18].

2.2. Biological Functions of Members of the IL-17 Family

The IL-17 family’s activities also include chronic inflammation associated with extracellular matrix destruction by activating the production of metalloproteinases and inhibiting extracellular matrix production in chondrocytes and osteoblasts. It has been reported that local mesenchymal cells promote the differentiation of naïve T cells into Th17 cells [19]. In inflammatory processes, IL-17 has shown synergistic interactions with other cytokines, such as TNFα and IL-1, leading to a chronic process [19].

The most thoroughly studied members of the IL-17 family are IL-17A and IL-17F; two molecules with similar biological activities that induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, antimicrobial peptides, and matrix metalloproteinases by activating innate and tissue resident cells, such as fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Additionally, IL-17A and IL-17F promote the recruitment and subsequent activation of neutrophils [20–22], and it has been observed that IL-17 sustains, rather than inducing, inflammation, thus amplifying the inflammatory response induced by a preexisting tissue injury [23]. On the other hand, IL-17A and IL-17F perform diverse immunoregulatory roles during infection by extracellular bacteria, fungi, and some types of viral infection [20, 21]. Interestingly, Maione et al. found evidence that IL-17A acts as a proaggregant agent by increasing platelet responses to ADP. They observed that IL-17A does not itselfcause an intra-arterial occlusive thrombus but could induce the endothelial features peculiar to a prothrombotic state, likely related to a downregulation of CD39 expression and activity in the vascular system [24, 25]. IL-17A also induces the expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in keratinocytes and chondrocytes [21].

IL-17E (IL-25) produces a particularly important activity on acquired and innate immune responses not only because it is linked to allergic disease, but also because it plays a protective role in helminthic parasite infection. After antigen or pathogen stimulation, IL-17E induces production of Th2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 by NKT, Th2, and Th9 cells. The role of IL-17B, IL-17C, and IL-17D in the immune system is still unclear, though they share a similar ability to induce inflammatory mediators. Both IL-17B and IL-17C induce TNF and IL-1b expression from a monocytic cell line and cause neutrophil infiltration. IL-17D induces expression of IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF in endothelial cells and inhibits hematopoietic progenitor colony formation [20, 21].

IL-17C is produced in epithelial cells and keratinocytes in response to pathogens or inflammatory cytokines and promotes IL-17 production. Moreover, IL-17C induced TNFα and IL-1β production in the human monocytic cell line THP1 and mouse peritoneal exudate cells [16, 17]. In contrast, IL-17B and IL-17D are poorly studied, so their biological functions remain unclear. However, forced expression of IL-17D in edited mouse tumor cells induced rejection by propitiating recruitment of NK cells [18].

The IL-17 family of cytokines mediates its biological functions via surface receptors on target cells. The IL-17R family contains 5 members that share sequence homology with IL-17RA. All members (IL-17RA, IL-17RB, IL-17RC, IL-17RD, and IL-17RE) have a fibronectin III-like domain in their extracellular part and an SEF/IL-17R (SEFIR) domain in their intracellular region. Functional receptors form heterodimers with IL-17RA as common subunit. IL-17RA is expressed constitutively in many cell types and is stimulated by IL-17 to induce production of proinflammatory molecules [13, 15].

In addition to Th17 cells, there are other immune cells that also produce IL-17, such as γδ T cells [10, 19, 26], innate Th17 (iTh17) [27], natural killer (NK) cells, mast cells, and neutrophils [10, 19].

2.3. IL-17 Signaling

IL-17 upregulates the expression of proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines through activation of NFκB, MAPKs, and the C/EBPs cascade. It also works with TNFα to induce gene expression and activates the JAK-PI3K and JAK-STAT pathways. In addition, IL-17A promotes inflammatory responses through the downregulation of microRNA-23b [5, 28]. In this way, although IL-17 does not initiate an inflammatory reaction while, if injected in preinflamed tissues, is able to further amplify biochemical and cellular events characteristic of the early stages of the inflammatory reaction [23].

Tumor-necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF6) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase essential for the activation of the NFκB and MAPK pathways. Polyubiquitinated TRAF6 activates TGFβ-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) with the subsequent NFκB activation. However, IL-17RA does not contain a TRAF6 binding site, indicating the existence of another adaptor molecule that mediates the association of TRAF6 with IL-17RA [10, 15, 17]. At the C-terminus of the IL-17 receptor family there is a SEFIR domain. The STIR (SEFIR and TIR) domain superfamily includes TLRs, IL-1Rs, and IL-17 receptors. Interestingly, the SEFIR domain also interacts with a cytosolic protein called Act1 (NFκB activator 1). Act1 is an NFκB and IKK activator and an adapter for the recruitment of TRAF6. Indeed, Act1 is recruited to the IL-17 receptor complex through the homotypic interactions of the SEFIR domains upon IL-17 stimulation [13, 17]. Act1-deficient cells fail to activate NFkB and MAPKs upon IL-17A stimulation and thus cannot produce proinflammatory molecules, such as IL-6 and CXCL1. Since IL-17RA is required for IL-17F signaling, Act1 have a critical role in IL-17F signaling [10, 15].

Although the mechanism of activation of Act1 remains unclear, it is known that it mediates K63 ubiquitination and the activation of TRAF6. Moreover, IL-17A alone is a weak NFκB activator but one that can synergize with other strong cytokines, such as TNFα, to promote and extend proinflammatory responses [5, 10].

Another component of the IL-17 signaling pathway is HSP90, which interacts with Act1 to mediate, as a scaffold protein, IL-17 signaling [5, 29]. Ubiquitin-specific processing protease 25 (USP25) is a negative regulator of the IL-17R signal transduction pathway because it restricts the ubiquitination status of TRAF6, thereby attenuating NFkB and MAPK signal transduction [13].

2.4. Cytokines Involved in Th17 Differentiation

2.4.1. TGFβ

TGFβ (transforming growth factor-beta) is a pleiotropic factor with several different roles in T-cell development, homeostasis, and tolerance [30].

The role of TGFβ in Th17 development and function has generated controversy. Recent studies support the existence of at least two functional subclasses of Th17 cells distinguished by their development in the presence or absence of TGFβ, and there are reports that Th17 cells can produce their own TGFβ, including TGFβ1 and TGFβ3, which would appear to exercise distinct programming functions [31].

The indispensability of TGFβ in Th17 differentiation resurfaced later; this time in relation to the mouse, when it was reported that there may be two pathways of Th17 differentiation: a TGFβ-dependent pathway that gives rise to “nonpathogenic” Th17 cells and a TGFβ-independent pathway that gives rise to “pathogenic” Th17 cells [32]. Naïve precursors polarized in the presence of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-23, but, in the absence of TGFβ signaling, induced a population of so-called Th17 cells that induced EAE (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis) upon passive transfer into normal mice. In contrast, naïve cells polarized under identical conditions but with exogenous TGFβ1 and no IL-23 (the so-called Th17(β) cells) and failed to induce EAE following transfers, despite expressing considerably higher amounts of IL-17A [33].

2.4.2. IL-6

IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine secreted by the cells of the innate immune system such as DCs, monocytes, macrophages, mast cells, B cells, and a subset of activated T cells, though tumor cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and keratinocytes also secrete IL-6 [7]. Recent studies have demonstrated that IL-6 has a very important role in regulating the balance between IL-17-producing Th17 cells and Treg. IL-6 (plus TGFβ) induces the development of Th17 cells from naïve T cells; in contrast, IL-6 inhibits differentiation into Treg [34].

2.4.3. IL-21

IL-21 is produced by a range of differentiated CD4+ T-cell subsets and natural killer (NK) T cells [35]. IL-21 signals through a heterodimeric receptor, which is formed by a common gamma chain (shared with IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-13, and IL-15 receptors) and an IL-21 specific receptor (IL-21R) [36, 37]. Since IL-21R is expressed on CD4+, CD8+ T cells, B cells, NK cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and keratinocytes [36], it acts on a range of lymphoid lineages and exerts pleiotropic effects. IL-21 drives differentiation of naïve T cells into Th17 cells. IL-21 is induced by IL-6 and RORγt and stabilizes and maintains Th17 cells by upregulating its own expression and that of IL-23R [35, 38].

2.4.4. IL-23

IL-23 is produced by activated dendritic cells and macrophages in response to microbial stimulation [39]. IL-23 appears to be the critical driver behind Th17 activation and the subsequent production of IL-17. IL-23 is a heterodimer of a unique IL-23p19 and shared IL-12/23p40 chains [40].

The signaling pathway of IL-23R has been described clearly. It involves Janus-associated kinase 2 (Jak2), tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2), and several members of the signal transducer activator of transcription (STAT) family, including STAT1, STAT3, STAT4, and STAT5 [41].

In lymphocytes, IL-23 induces a strong phosphorylation of STAT3 and a relatively weak activation of STAT4, whereas the reverse is true for IL-12-induced phosphorylation with respect to STAT4 and STAT3. Phosphorylation of STAT3 is essential for the development of IL-17-producing T-helper (Th17) cells, whereas STAT4 is important for increasing IFNγ production and the subsequent differentiation of Th1 cells [42].

3. Regulatory T Cells and Their Role in Th17 Cell Function

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are a subset of CD4+ lymphocytes involved in the maintenance of self-tolerance and the modulation of overall immune responses against infections and tumor cells by controlling CD4+ effector T cells. Treg secrete TGFβ and IL-10 and require the specific cytokine TGFβ and the transcription factor FoxP3 for their differentiation. While Th17 cells have been involved in the promotion of autoimmunity and Treg cells have been involved in the control of Th17 cells, the balance Th17/Treg has been judged important in the control of immunity mediated by Th17 cells [4]. Furthermore, both T-cell subsets require TGFβ, Treg for the expression of FoxP3, and to induce the differentiation of Th17, in combination with IL-6 and IL-21. Consequently, in the proinflammatory environment (mediated by IL-6 or IL-21), RORγt expression is upregulated, while FoxP3 expression is reduced, and vice versa [34, 43].

On the other hand, Singh et al. have reported that aryl hydrocarbon receptor promotes epigenetic regulation thereby influencing reciprocal differentiation of Tregs and Th17 cells [44]; then it could be important in the maintenance of the Treg/Th17 ratios.

4. Th17 Cells in Autoimmune and Infectious Diseases

The role of Th17 cells in autoimmunity was demonstrated first in mice that were deficient for the p19 chain of the IL-23, in which the IL-17-producing T cells were significantly lower than in wild-type mice, highlighting the importance of the IL-23/Th17 axis in the pathogenicity of these autoimmune diseases [1]. Since then, the study of the pathogenic role of Th17 subset cells has focused on autoimmune inflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis [45, 46]. The role of Th17 cells in different autoimmune, inflammatory, and infectious diseases is described below.

4.1. Glioma

Glioma is the most common malignant disease of the brain. Although the brain is believed to be immunologically privileged, increasing evidence shows that lymphocytes infiltrate the brain parenchyma during glioma formation and that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is compromised under glioma stress. Few studies of the relationship between Th17 cells and this disease have been reported; however, research has shown that the numbers of Th17 cells appear to be higher than in control subjects. Moreover, Th17-related cytokines are expressed in glioma tissues, suggesting the role of these cells in glioma tumorigenesis and progression [47, 48]. Furthermore, the serum levels of IL-17 correlate with the disease, with age [49], and with the medium conditions of glioma cells that induce Th17 cell differentiation [47], thus supporting the role of Th17 cells in glioma.

4.2. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

HT has long been epidemiologically associated with excessive iodine levels. However, the immunological mechanisms involved in this disease remain unclear. It has been reported that intrathyroid infiltrating Th17 cells and serum IL-17 levels increase significantly in HT patients. Moreover, the administration of moderately high levels of iodine was found to facilitate the polarization of murine splenic naïve T cells into Th17 cells, whereas extremely high levels of iodine favored Th1 polarization and inhibited Treg development, suggesting that both Th1 and Th17 cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of HT and that high levels of iodine may play a critical role in this process by modulating T-cell differentiation [50]. Additionally, IL-23 levels were found to be higher in patients with HT than controls [51, 52], while levels of IL-17A [50, 53, 54] and frequencies of Th17 cells were also higher in patients than controls [55, 56].

4.3. Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease regulated by T lymphocyte subsets. Th17 cells have been found to be elevated in patients [57, 58]. In addition, Th17-related cytokine correlates with the severity and progression of carotid artery plaques [58–61], and the Th17/Treg imbalance appears to be associated with plaque progression [62, 63]. Additionally, IL-17A has been involved in lipid metabolism and in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis [64].

4.4. Multiple Sclerosis

MS is known as a neurotropic autoimmune disease in which a coordinated attack of innate and adaptive immune cells inflames the central nervous system (CNS) and interrupts signal transduction by demyelinating (destruction of the myelin sheath) the nerve fibers. This inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS has a certain autoimmune background [65]. T-helper cells play a critical role in disease onset and progression [66].

Several groups have studied and characterized T cells subsets and their cytokines in MS. They have reported that the frequency of Th17 [67, 68] and the levels of Th17 related cytokines [66, 69] were higher in MS patients compared to controls. Moreover, a lower Treg/Th17 ratio [65, 68] and a correlation of the severity of symptoms with the Treg/Th17 ratio [68] were also observed, suggesting their role in disease severity [65]. Additionally, it has been reported that the response of T cells to myelin antigen includes production of IL-17 [70]. Furthermore, the reduction of Th17 cells after treatment with IFN-β [66], methylprednisolone [68], anti-TNF therapy [71], fingolimod [72], and the suppression of the production of IL-23 by IFN-β treatment [73], together with the data described above, support the role of Th17 cells in this disease.

4.5. Type 1 Diabetes

DM1 is an autoimmune disease caused by T-cell-mediated destruction of insulin-producing cells. Although it has been thought that an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 is associated with the disease, the role of Th17 cells is under study [74]. As in MS, the Treg/Th17 balance has been found to be broken in DM1 patients; moreover the frequencies of TH17 cells seem to be higher in patients than controls [75].

It the case of type 2 diabetes (T2D), the alteration of the Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg paradigm may contribute to enhanced immune activation and inflammation and the subsequent development and progression of T2D [76]; moreover, glucoregulation may contribute to reducing IL-17 in patients [77].

4.6. Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by progressively destructive joint inflammation, destruction of articular cartilage, and bone and synovial hyperplasia. The chronic inflammation process is responsible for stimulating destructive mechanisms in the joint that causes structural damage and lead to functional disability and deterioration [78].

The contribution of Th17 cells to the development of chronic arthritis was first reported in mice. It was found that in vivo neutralization of IFNγ exacerbates Th17 induced arthritis, and anti-IL-17A treatment delays onset of arthritis induction by Th17 cells. Thus, Th17 cells may participate in the production of autoantibodies that can induce arthritis [79].

As in other autoimmune inflammatory diseases, TH17 frequencies were found to be increased in patients compared to controls [80, 81] as were the levels of IL-17 and IL-23 [81, 82]. Also, the notion that levels of Th17 cells could be reduced by anti-TNF [71], IL-21 [83], and IL-10 [84] has been reported.

4.7. Spondyloarthropathies

SpAs, now better known as spondyloarthritides are a diverse group of interrelated inflammatory arthritides. This group includes not only the prototypical disease, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but also reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Chron’s disease, undifferentiated SpA, and juvenile-onset spondyloarthritis [85]. The role of the IL-23/IL-17 axis in SpAs pathology has been reviewed extensively [86]; however, it has been reported that the serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were elevated in SpAs [87, 88]. Moreover, the circulating Th17 cells appear to be elevated as well [84, 87].

Another finding was that serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels in AS [89, 90] and the frequency of Th17 cells [91, 92] correlate with disease activity. As reported in other autoimmune diseases, response to treatment with anti-TNF therapy significantly reduces the frequency of TH17 cells [87].

4.8. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. There is increasing evidence that a disturbed T-cell homeostasis plays a critical role in the development of SLE. The main T-cell subsets that are pivotal for this T-cell balance consist of T-helper cells and regulatory T cells [93]. It has been suggested that an imbalance of circulating T-helper cells and an impairment of regulatory T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE as has been reported for MS and DM1 [66, 75].

The role of Th17 cells in SLE has been supported by the higher serum levels of IL-17 [94, 95] and the higher frequency of circulating Th17 cells [95–97], although no differences between patients with the active and inactive forms of the disease has been found [93]. As has been reported for other diseases, the Treg/Th17 ratio was seen to be reduced in patients [96, 98].

Also, high levels of Th17 cytokines have been found in SLE patients [82]. Additionally, cytokine levels and Th17 frequencies correlate with disease activity [99, 100], and the imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells (Treg/Th17 ratio) correlates with disease activity as well [101, 102].

4.9. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing, and immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease [2]. It is characterized by hyperplasia in the epidermis, infiltration of leukocytes, including monocytes, dendritic cells and T lymphocytes into both the dermis and the epidermis, and the dilation and growth of blood vessels [103]. Psoriasis is now defined as a Th1/Th17/Th22-based inflammatory disease [104]. The role of Th17 cells has been supported by the discovery of elevated frequencies of Th17 cells in patients and the fact that the Treg/Th17 ratio correlated with the skin lesions [103]. Moreover, IL-17A, the principal effector cytokine of Th17 cells, stimulates keratinocytes to produce chemokines, cytokines, and other proinflammatory mediators, thereby enabling IL-17A to bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems to sustain chronic inflammation [105]. Finally, this has been found to be elevated in patients with psoriasis [106].

Elevated frequencies of Th17 cells have been reported in psoriatic patients [103, 107]. As in other autoimmune diseases, the Treg/Th17 cells have been found to be deregulated, and this ratio correlates with disease activity [103]. Hence, clinical trials with IL-17 pathway inhibitors may provide a new therapeutic approach for patients with psoriasis [105, 108].

4.10. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder, characterized by progressive skin depigmentation due to the loss of cutaneous melanocytes. The exact cause of melanocyte loss remains unclear, but a large number of observations have pointed to the important role of cellular immunity in vitiligo pathogenesis [109].

Th17 cells have been implicated in skin lesions in vitiligo [110] because of the discovery of higher levels of serum IL-17 in patients than controls [111, 112]. Th17 cell infiltration and decreased Tregs have also been reported [113]. Moreover, it has been found that levels of IL-17 decreased after treatment, while Foxp3 increased significantly [112], suggesting that the imbalance between Th17 and Treg could have an important role in vitiligo lesions.

4.11. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease can be divided into two main forms: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These are disabling diseases characterized by a chronic relapsing inflammatory response to commensal microflora in the gut [114, 115]. Although the mechanisms involved are still unclear, there is a clear genetic susceptibility [115]. In addition to the T-helper cell type (Th) 1 and Th2 immune responses, other subsets of T cells, namely, Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells, likely play a role in IBD, because the IL13/TH17 pathway has been postulated as an important biomarker of active IBD [17, 116], and the presence of IBD, but not the genetic load, alters mRNA expression of IBD-associated Th17/IL-13 genes [115]. Moreover, Th17 and Treg cells have been found in increased amounts in the peripheral blood of IBD patients [117], reaching levels that correlate with disease activity [118]. Also, the Treg/TH17 cell ratio was associated with disease activity in patients with Crohn’s disease. Hence, together with the Treg/TH17 ratio, they could be considered as potential prognostic indicators [119].

4.12. Cardiovascular Diseases

The role of the IL-17 cytokine family in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases has been described as one that amplifies both the inflammation induced by other cytokines in synergistic interactions [120] and the prothrombotic effects combined with the low FeCl3 concentrations that have been observed [25].

As in other pathologies, Th17 cells contribute to increasing cardiovasculopathies [121], while the Treg/Th17 imbalance has been associated with cardiovascular complications in uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis [122, 123].

4.13. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection

The role of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of HIV infection remains unclear. Selective depletion of this T-cell subset has been reported in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) as well as in the peripheral blood of HIV-infected individuals [124].

Th17 cells have been found to be associated with HIV patients in different ways. Studies have shown that Th17 cells are reduced in HIV patients [125, 126]. Additionally, the levels of Th17 cells appear to be higher in long-term nonprogressors compared to typical progressors [124]. Th17 cells and IL-17 levels have been shown to have a negative correlation with HIV plasma viral load [126, 127]. The Treg/Th17 ratio showed a negative correlation to viral plasma load [128, 129], although the percentage of Treg cells positively correlated with viral load before antiretroviral therapy [126]. Moreover, antiretroviral treatment normalizes the number of Th17 and the Treg/TH17 ratio in HIV patients [126, 130]. These data strongly suggest that Th17 cells and the Treg/Th17 balance could maintain HIV under control [131] and, therefore, could play a role in the pathogenesis of AIDS.

4.14. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection

The role of Th17 cells in HCV infection and progression remains unclear. It has been reported that Ag-specific Th17 cells are induced in patients infected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and that TGFβ and IL-10, which are induced by the nonstructural viral protein 4 (NS4), suppressed Th17 responses in HCV-infected patients [132]. Moreover, higher levels of IL-17 have been found in patients compared to normal controls, although no correlation with the viremic state was found [133, 134].

Considering that IL-17 serum levels show correlations with serum alanine aminotransferase levels, an association of this cytokine with control of liver injury has been proposed [134], although Th17 cell expansion appears not to be associated with patients who were cured, who became persistently infected, or who had circulating levels of IL-17 in cases of fibrosis [135].

The effect of treatment with pegylated IFN plus ribavirin appears to be controversial, because of reports indicating that it does not affect IL-17 levels, and that there are no differences between responders and nonresponders [133]. Moreover, this treatment downmodulates the secretion of key Th1 and Th17 proinflammatory mediators and profibrotic growth factors as early as 12 weeks after treatment initiation [136].

4.15. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection

The role of Th17 cells in HBV infection has been documented by the expression of IL-23 and IL-23R in biopsied liver tissues from HBV-infected patients. Also, IL-17 appears to be indispensable for HBsAg-stimulated differentiation of naïve CD4(+) T cells into Th17 cells [137]. Thus, Th17 cells have been shown to participate in the pathogenesis of liver damage associated with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) [138].

The frequencies of Treg and Th17 cells are reported to increase in the peripheral blood of HBV patients [139, 140]. Th17 levels [141, 142] and the Treg/TH17 ratio appear to have a crucial role in the occurrence, development, and outcome of HBV [142, 143] and could be used as indicators of inflammation that may predict progression to fibrosis [144]. Hence, Th17 cells can contribute to immune activation and disease aggravation in patients with chronic HBV infection [138, 145], because of the correlation of Th17 cells with serum alanine aminotransferase levels [139]. However, this does not appear to occur in pediatric patients [140]. Additionally, Th17 cells and the IL-23/IL-17 axis seem to be involved in the acute or chronic form of the disease [146].

On the other hand, it was also found that IL-17A decreased the levels of HBVs antigen (HBsAg) and HBVe antigen (HBeAg) in culture medium, as well as the levels of intracellular HBV DNA in infected HepG2.2.15 cells [147], although treatment with telbivudine does not affect IL-17 levels [148]. In contrast, HBVc-Ag induces the production of IL-10, a cytokine involved in the blockage of Th17 cell activation [149]. Moreover, blockage of the IL-17 receptors (IL-17R) increased levels of HBsAg and extracellular HBV DNA in culture medium, as well as levels of intracellular HBV DNA [147].

The imbalance in the IL17/Il-13 axis has also been associated with responses to HBV vaccination in HCV-infected individuals [150].

5. Concluding Remarks

The role of Th17 cells in autoimmune diseases has been reported and supported with some clarity and has been shown to exhibit similar behaviors in the diseases studied. The number of diseases influenced by Th17 cells appears to be increasing. These diseases include those provoked by viral infections in which the role of Th17 cells remains unclear, though evidence suggests that they could play an important role in the control of these diseases.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

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Copyright © 2014 José Francisco Zambrano-Zaragoza et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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