IL-17 producing cells in host defense and atopy.

The roles of IL-17 producing cells have been the subject of significant research in the fields of autoimmunity, host defense, and recently, atopy. A substantial number of genetic disease with disruptions in the IL-17 pathway have been identified and characterized in past few years, not only enhancing our understanding, but also raising new and complex questions. The connection between IL-17 and atopic disease, in particular, is complex, but it merits further study which may ultimately lead to therapies targeting the Th17 pathway in infectious and/or allergic settings.