The novel TH17-associated cytokine IL-26 mediates BBB breakdown and neuroinflammation

Abstract

It is well established that TH17 lymphocytes are crucial in the pathogenesis of the chronic autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the importance of IL-17 in MS is still under debate, and other TH17-associated cytokines are likely more crucial in the initiation and maintenance of neuroinflammation. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-26 is specifically produced by human TH17 lymphocytes and that it correlates strongly to other TH17-associated markers (IL-17, IL-22, IL-23R, RORc and MCAM).