International Review of Ophthalmology ›› 2023, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (1): 62-67.doi: 10.3760/ cma.j.issn.1673-5803.2023.01.012

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Roles of Th17 cells in pathogenesis of dry eye disease

Sha Yongyi, Kong Xueqing, Xiang Minhong   

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
  • Received:2022-09-14 Online:2023-02-22 Published:2023-03-11
  • Contact: Xiang Minhong, Email: xiangminhong@sohu.com E-mail:xiangminhong@sohu.com
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China (82074495); Budget Project of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2020LK068); Shanghai Putuo District Central Hospital Craftsman Plan (2022-RCJC-06)

Abstract: Dry eye is a common ocular surface disease in clinic, and patients show obvious immune homeostasis disruption. Th17 cells, one of the Th subtypes and producing interleukin-17 (IL-17), are widely present in the human body as important immune cells. They generate the iconic cytokines IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22. Transforming growth factor-β, IL-6, IL-21, and IL-23 can promote the differentiation of Th17 cells. Th17 cells play a particularly important role in the immune response of dry eye disease. In dry eye disease, the expression of Th17 related cytokines is increased, and the proportion of Th17/regulatory T cell (Treg) is increased. The migration of Th17 to the ocular surface can further lead to the occurrence and development of dry eye disease. Therefore, searching for Th17-related therapeutic targets may be a key factor in the treatment of dry eye. (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2023, 47: 62-67)

Key words: Th17, interleukin, dry eye disease, autoimmune disease