Interleukin-17A pathway via CD4-positive T cell (IL-17A pathway (Th17 via CD4+ T cell))

The "IL-17A pathway via CD4+ T cells" refers to the signaling cascade initiated by interleukin-17A, a cytokine primarily produced by a subset of CD4-positive T helper cells known as Th17 cells[2][6]. Engagement of IL-17A with its receptors (IL-17RA and IL-17RC) on various cell types—including CD4+ T cells themselves—drives pro-inflammatory gene expression and contributes to immune responses against pathogens, as well as to the development and maintenance of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases[1][4][7]. This pathway is characterized by activation of signaling networks including JAK/STAT, NF-κB, and MAP kinase cascades, resulting in the production of cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases[4][5]. Therapeutic targeting of this pathway with monoclonal antibodies against IL-17A or its receptor is effective in diseases such as psoriasis, but carries risks of immunosuppression and infection[1][2][7]. Clarifications and Limitations: - The query describes a "pathway via CD4+ T cells," not a single canonical molecule or protein. Thus, it is not a molecular target in the strict sense (such as "IL-17A" or "IL-17RA"), but a *functional axis* combining cytokine, receptor, and cell type[2][7]. - In data models requiring only single molecules or proteins, this entity should be flagged as "is_incorrect: true" due to nonspecificity. Typically, the structured target should be either "Interleukin-17A" (IL-17A), "Interleukin-17 receptor A" (IL-17RA), or "CD4-positive T cell (Th17 subtype)"; the phrase as given combines multiple entities[7].

Other names

IL-17/IL-23 axisTh17-IL-17 pathwayInterleukin-17A signaling in CD4+ T cells

Monoclonal antibody-mediated neutralization of IL-17A Blocking IL-17A receptor (IL-17RA/IL-17RC) interaction Inhibition of downstream signaling (e.g., JAK/STAT, NF-κB)