1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
2Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
3Selcuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Grade III Student, Konya, Turkey
4Department of Health Services, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria
5Division of Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
6CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
7Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
History:
Published online: 15 June 2020
Accepted: 7 May 2020
Received: 7 May 2020
T helper 17 (Th17) are a CD4+ T subpopulation cells which are involved in the host protection against microbes such as extracellular and intracellular bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses. Monogenic defects including those mutations in some genes such as the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 and 3, dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8), autoimmune regulator (AIRE), and interleukin 17 receptor A (IL-17RA) can lead to impairment in Th17 cell development and function along with the concomitant increased risk for chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC). The immunologic abnormalities in these patients include low frequency of Th17 cells; defective cutaneous or in vitro T cell response to Candida species, and/or autoantibodies against relevant cytokines. This review outlines the biological characteristics and functionality of Th17 cells, as well as the clinical features of individuals with genetic defects associated with Th17 deficiency.
Th17 cells; STAT1; STAT3; DOCK8, AIRE; IL-17RA; chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis