Interleukin-17 contributes to cardiovascular diseases

Interleukin (IL)-17 (also known as IL-17A), as the signature cytokine of the newly described T helper 17 (Th17) cell population, is the founding member of a new subclass of cytokines that have highly proinflammatory properties. Recently there is accumulating evidence that stipulates the involvement of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases via amplifying the inflammation induced by other cytokines in synergistic interactions. The present review provides a summary of the potential roles of IL-17 in the context derived from both animal models and clinical settings in cardiovascular diseases, and perspec- tives for IL-17-targeted cytokine therapy.