Description
IL-17A is a cystine-linked homodimeric pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by Th17 cells, a distinct CD4+ T cell lineage (1, 2). IL-17A stimulates the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6. IL-17A also induces production of the neutrophil chemoattractants IL-8, CXCL1, and CXCL6 thereby bridging adaptive and innate immunity (1, 2). IL-17A is intimately involved in mucosal immunity against bacterial infections (1, 3) and has a putative role in some autoimmune disorders (1, 4). IL-17A effects appear to be exerted primarily through binding to the IL-17RA (5). IL-17A binding induces production of cytokines, chemokines and other proteins through activation of the Erk1/2 MAP kinase, PI3K/Akt, p38, and NF-kappaB pathways (3, 4, 6). Phosphorylation of some Jaks and Stats has been observed