Il-17-Producing Gamma Delta T Cells In Auto-Immune Disease

In both mice and humans, gamma delta T cells often represent a significant source of IL-17. Here we review the evidence that IL-17-producing gamma delta T cells contribute to auto-immune disease and discuss the role that they play in disease processes, including their influence on the development or activity of T(H)17 alpha beta T cells. Although IL-17-producing gamma delta T cells clearly can exacerbate auto-immune disease, in some systems they have instead been shown to play a protective role. The ability to produce IL-22 as well may be critical for this protective role.