Th17 cells as a potential target for treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma

Bronchial asthma (asthma) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease involving a variety of inflammatory cells and inflammatory mediators. The imbalance of Thl/Th2 immune responses leads to airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilic airway inflammation. However, Th17 cells play a role in the pathophysiology of asthma through the recruitment and activation of neutrophils. Neutrophil infiltration is related to the occurrence of moderate-to-severe asthma. Therefore, Th17 cells may be a potential therapeutic target for asthma, especially moderate-to-severe asthma. Further studies to dissect the molecular mechanism of Th17 cell differentiation will contribute to developing a novel strategy for treatment of neutrophilic asthma. Key words: Asthma; Neutrophils; Th17 cells; Immunotherapy