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Immunology

A helping hand against autoimmunity

Nature volume 472, pages 421–422 (2011)Cite this article

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The TH17 helper cells of the immune system have a dark side: they mediate autoimmune disorders. Two drugs that prevent the differentiation and activity of these cells might be of therapeutic value. See Letters p.486 & p.491

Immune cells called T-helper cells are the subject of intense research. In particular, one type, the TH17 cell, which produces a cytokine called IL-17, not only participates in host defence against pathogens, but is also implicated in the pathology of several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The cells are therefore potential drug targets for treating such disorders. Research published in this issue1,2 describes two compounds that inhibit the differentiation of TH17 cells and the production of IL-17. This delays the onset and reduces the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a disease in mice that is mediated by TH17 cells and acts as a model for multiple sclerosis.

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Figure 1: Effects of digoxin and SR1001 on TH17 cells.

References

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  1. Division of Intramural Research, Anton M. Jetten is in the Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.,

    Anton M. Jetten

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  1. Anton M. Jetten
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Correspondence to Anton M. Jetten.

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Jetten, A. A helping hand against autoimmunity. Nature 472, 421–422 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/472421a

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