IL-17 Receptor C Signaling Controls CD4 T17 Immune Responses and Tissue Injury in Immune-Mediated Kidney Diseases.

Background: IL-17A-producing CD4 T helper (T17) cells play a critical role in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, such as crescentic GN. The proinflammatory effects of IL-17 are mediated by the activation of the IL-17RA/IL-17RC complex. Although the expression of these receptors on epithelial and endothelial cells is well characterized, the IL-17 receptor expression pattern and function on hematopoietic cells, , CD4 T cell subsets, remains to be elucidated.

Mechanisms and functions of IL-17 signaling in renal autoimmune diseases.

Immune-mediated glomerular diseases (glomerulonephritis) encompass a heterogeneous collection of diseases that cause inflammation within the glomerulus and other renal compartments with significant morbidity and mortality. In general, CD4 T cells orchestrate the immune response and play a unique role in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. In particular, the characterization of a distinct, IL-17 cytokines producing CD4 T cell subset named T17 cells has significantly advanced the current understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of organ-specific immunity.