The role of interleukin-17A in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases

Being a member of the IL-17 family, comprising six structurally related ligands, IL-17A is a cytokine, produced by multiple cell types, such as CD4+αβ T cells, γδ T cells, natural killer cells, neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, lymphoid tissue inducer cells, mast cells and plasma cells. IL-17A participates in tissue inflammation by inducing the expression of chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteases. Besides its role in host defence against infectious diseases, IL-17A is involved in different autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we will highlight the role of IL-17A in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic kidney diseases. Due to its pleiotropic character, IL-17A is involved in the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, ischaemia-reperfusion injury, fibrosis, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, minimal change disease and acute renal allograft rejection. In addition, inhibition of IL-17A may be a promising therapeutic target to prevent end-stage renal disease.