Murine cytomegalovirus downregulates interleukin-17 in mice with retrovirus-induced immunosuppression that are susceptible to experimental cytomegalovirus retinitis

► IL-17 is expressed constitutively within retinal tissues of healthy C57BL/6 mice. ► IL-17 levels in whole splenic cells increase during the progression of MAIDS. ► Cell populations other than CD4+ T cells contribute to IL-17 production during MAIDS. ► MCMV infection downregulates IL-17 production during health and MAIDS. ► MCMV-induced downregulation of IL-17 may involve upregulation of SOCS-3 and IL-10.