T helper 17 cell

Patent Pending T helper 17 cells (Th17) are a subset of T helper cells producing interleukin 17 (IL-17). They are developmentally distinct from Th1 and Th2 cells. They create inflammation and tissue injury in autoimmune disease[1][2][3] such as multiple sclerosis (which was previously thought to be caused by Th1 cells), psoriasis, autoimmune uveitis, juvenile diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease. Their normal role is to provide anti-microbial immunity at epithelial / mucosal barriers. They produce cytokines (such as interleukin 22) which stimulates epithelial cells to produce anti-microbial proteins to clear out certain types of microbe (such as Candida and Staphylococcus). Thus, a lack of Th17 cells leaves the host susceptible to opportunistic infections.