The role of metabolism in Th17 cell differentiation and autoimmune diseases

•Th17 cell metabolism is associated with the development of autoimmune diseases.•Th17 cells prefer aerobic glycolysis, FAS, cholesterol biosynthesis, glutaminolysis.•Treg cells mainly rely on pyruvate-derived mitochondrial OXPHOS and FAO. T helper 17 cells (Th17) have been associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, which makes them become a sharp focus when the researchers are seeking therapeutic target for these diseases. A growing body of evidence has suggested that cellular metabolism dictates Th17 cell differentiation and effector function. Moreover, various studies have disclosed that metabolism is linked to the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. In this article, we reviewed the most recent findings regarding the importance of metabolism in Th17 cell differentiation and autoimmune diseases and also discussed the modulation mechanisms of glycolysis, fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, and amino acids metabolism for Th17 cell differentiation. This review summarized the potential therapeutic or preventing strategies for Th17 cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.