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Description

Interleukin-17A (UniProt: Q16552, also known as IL-17, IL-17A, Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 8, CTLA-8) is encoded by the IL17A (also known as CTLA8, IL17) gene (Gene ID: 3605) in human. IL-17A is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted by activated CD4+ Th17 cells. It is synthesized with a signal peptide (aa 1-23) that is subsequently cleaved off to produce the mature protein. Its levels are up-regulated by IL23A-IL12B. IL-17 is reported to play an important role in multiple biological processes, including the induction of IL-6, IL-8, G-CSF, and PGE2 production in epithelial, endothelial or fibroblasts, the enhancement of surface expression of ICAM-1 in fibroblasts, activation of NF-kB and co-stimulation of T cell proliferation. It is also involved in antimicrobial host defense and maintenance of tissue integrity. Its actions are mediated via interaction with IL-17RA and IL-17RC heterodimeric receptor complex, triggering homotypic interaction of these receptors with (TRAF3 Interacting Protein 2 (TRAF3IP2) adapter. This leads to downstream TRAF6-mediated activation of NF-kB and MAP kinase pathways resulting in transcriptional activation of cytokines, chemokines, antimicrobial peptides, and matrix metalloproteinases. IL-17A also plays an important role in connecting T cell-mediated adaptive immunity and acute inflammatory response to destroy extracellular bacteria and fungi. In synergy with IL-17F, it is shown to mediate the production of antimicrobial b-defensins DEFB1, DEFB103A, and DEFB104A by mucosal epithelial cells, which limits the entry of microbes through the epithelial barriers. (Ref.: Boisson, B., et al. (2013). Immunity. 39(4), 676-686, Wright, J.F., et al. (2008). J. Immunol. 181(4), 2799-2805).