gamma delta T cells: an important source of IL-17

IL-17 is a cytokine that plays an important role in orchestrating innate immune function. In addition, IL-17 has been shown to exacerbate autoimmune diseases. CD4 super(+) alpha beta T cells, gamma delta T cells, and NK cells all produce IL-17. Th17 cells are a newly defined alpha beta super(+) T cell lineage characterized by IL-17 production. However, gamma delta T cells are often the major source of this cytokine. Their response can be very rapid during bacterial infections and has been shown to be protective, but IL-17-producing gamma delta T cells have also been found to exacerbate collagen-induced arthritis. Interestingly, some gamma delta T cells produce IL-17 in response to IL-23 alone, even in naive animals, suggesting they are already differentiated and may develop differently than CD4 super(+) alpha beta Th17 cells.