Year: 2015
Type: review
Abstract: IL-17 (IL-17A) has emerged as a key mediator of protection against extracellular microbes, but this cytokine also drives pathology in various autoimmune diseases. Overwhelming data in both humans and mice reveal a clear and surprisingly specific role for IL-17 in protection against the fungus Candida albicans, a commensal microbe of the human oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive mucosa. The IL-17 pathway regulates antifungal immunity through upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, neutrophil-recruiting chemokines (e.g., CXCL1 and CXCL5), and antimicrobial peptides (e.g., defensins), which act in concert to limit fungal overgrowth. This review focuses on diseases caused by C. albicans, the role of IL-17-mediated immunity in candidiasis, and the implications for clinical therapies for both autoimmune conditions and fungal infections.
Source: The Journal of Immunology
Authors: Heather R Conti, Sarah L Gaffen
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: Host and Fungal Regulation of Type 17 Immunity to Oral Candidiasis, G2883785136, Salivary Gland IL-17R Signaling in Oral Candidiasis, IL-17 Receptor Signaling in the Oral Mucosa, Negative Control of IL-17R Signaling: Implications for Fungal Immunity, IL-23/STAT3-Driven Oral Immune Responses to Candida albicans, G5505984803, G9000067908
OpenAlex ID: W1912289137