Research progess in the mechanism and function of IL-17/1L-17R signal transduction

Interleukin-17 (IL-17)A is the prototypic member of the IL-17 family,which comprises six members:IL-17A to F.As an important proinflammatory cytokine,IL-17 plays critical roles in host defense by inducing the release of certain chemokines,cytokines and antimicrobial proteins.However,IL-17 has also been found to play important roles in the pathogenesis of various human autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.Recently,important new insights into the composition of IL-17/IL-17 receptor superfamily,the downstream signal transduction pathway of IL-17 and the physiological/pathological function of IL-17 which will provide new ideas for the intervention and treatment for the related diseases. Key words: Interkeukin-17; Signal transduction; Inflammation; Autoimmune