Cytokines that regulate autoimmunity

Recent advances have revealed new insights in cytokine regulation of inflammatory responses. TGFβ acting together with pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 promotes lineage commitment of RORγ-dependent Th17 cells. IL-23 – a member of the IL-12 family – activates the effector function of Th17 cells to promote skin, lung, and mucosal immunity. However, when dysregulated, these cells are important players in autoimmune inflammation. Unexpectedly, IL-27 – another IL-12 family member – plays an opposing role by inducing IL-10 production as well as downregulating both Th17 and Th1-mediated immune pathologies.