Interleukin-17 levels related to severity of allergic rhinitis

T helper (Th)-17 cells are a subset of T helper lymphocytes that have regulatory activities.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum IL-17 levels (measured by ELISA) and allergic rhinitis. 56 patients with pollen-induced allergic rhinitis were evaluated during the pollen season.

IL-17 levels were related to symptoms and peripheral eosinophil counts.

The authors concluded that IL-17 level assessment may be used to classify allergy severity.


Function of T helper cells: Antigen presenting cells (APCs) present antigen on their Class II MHC molecules (MHC2). Helper T cells recognize these, with the help of their expression of CD4 co-receptor (CD4+). The activation of a resting helper T cell causes it to release cytokines and other stimulatory signals (green arrows) that stimulate the activity of macrophages, killer T cells and B cells, the latter producing antibodies. Image source: Wikipedia, Mikael Häggström, public domain.

Which cytokines promote neutrophil tissue inflammation?

(A) IL-2

(B) IL-5

(C) IL-8

(D) IL-10

(E) IL-17

Answers: IL-8 and IL-17.

References

Serum interleukin-17 levels are related to clinical severity in allergic rhinitis. Ciprandi G, De Amici M, Murdaca G, Fenoglio D, Ricciardolo F, Marseglia G, Tosca M. Allergy. 2009 Feb 17.
Anti-IL-17 Receptor Antibody Brodalumab Helps Patients with Psoriasis - NEJM, 2012.
Anti–Interleukin-17 Monoclonal Antibody Ixekizumab Improves Chronic Plaque Psoriasis - NEJM, 2012.
T helper cell, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.