Th17 and Cognitive Impairment: Possible Mechanisms of Action. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • T helper 17 (Th17) cells represent a distinct population of immune cells, important in the defense of the organism against extracellular infectious agents. Because of their cytokine profile and ability to recruit other immune cell types, they are highly pro-inflammatory and are involved in the induction of several autoimmune disorders. Recent studies show that Th17 cells and their signature cytokine IL-17 have also a role in a wide variety of neurological diseases. This review article will briefly summarize the evidence linking Th17 cells to brain diseases associated with cognitive impairment, including multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We will also investigate the mechanisms by which these cells enter the brain and induce brain damage, including direct effects of IL-17 on brain cells and indirect effects mediated through disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), neurovascular dysfunction and gut-brain axis. Finally, therapeutic prospects targeting Th17 cells and IL-17 will be discussed.

publication date

  • November 19, 2019

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC6877481

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85076710701

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1182/blood-2008-05-078154

PubMed ID

  • 31803028

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 13