IL-17 and intestinal tumorigenesis

IL-17 is an important proinflammatory cytokine in autoimmune diseases. The constant presence of IL-17 in the intestinal tract raises the possibility that it may be a critical enhancer of intestinal tumorigenesis. Yet the role of IL-17 in cancer development is controversial. Animal studies and clinical studies suggest that the role of IL-17 may be differential depending on type of cancer and tumor microenvironment. The role of IL-17 in intestinal tumorigenesis is largely proinflammatory and likely affects Treg function. Thus, targeting IL-17 in intestinal tumorigenesis may be an effective approach for treating cancer.