Photo Credit: Henadzi Pechan

The following is a summary of “Th17 Response in Uveitis: A Double-Edged Sword in Ocular Inflammation and Immune Regulation,” published in the March 2025 issue of Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology by Zong et al. 

Uveitis results from immune cell infiltration and cytokine imbalances. Th17 cells drive inflammation, recruit immune cells, and damage retinal tissues. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study on Th17 cells in uveitis. These cells drive inflammation, recruit immune cells, and damage retinal tissues. 

They reviewed therapeutic strategies targeting Th17-related cytokines, including cytokine blockade, small molecule inhibitors, and immunomodulatory approaches. 

The results showed that Th17-related cytokines were traditionally pro-inflammatory in uveitis. However, emerging research highlighted their ability to express IL-10, IL-24, and TGF-β, suggesting a dual role in both inflammation and immune suppression. 

Investigators discussed the paradoxical nature of Th17 cells in immune regulation and inflammation, highlighting their ability to both promote and mitigate uveitis. They emphasized that a deeper understanding of these mechanisms is crucial for developing novel therapeutics that consider the dual role of the Th17 response. Fine-tuning this response could help preserve retinal integrity and improve patient outcomes. 

Source: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12016-025-09038-1