A new insight into the role of IL-۱۷ in the severity of Covid-۱۹

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESInterleukin ۱۷ (IL -۱۷) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced mainly by T helper type ۱۷ (Th۱۷). It plays an important role in generating a protective immune response against microbial infections by helping to deliver neutrophils to the site of infection. However, IL۱۷ is considered a double-edged sword in some studies, suggesting that overexpression of IL -۱۷ can cause overwhelming inflammation leading to acute tissue injury. The immune response is different in each individual. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to immune response cause genetic variations that affect susceptibility to various infections. Polymorphism can affect cytokine production and increase the severity of infection. Based on the aforementioned research studies, IL۱۷ polymorphism may make a significant difference in the host immune response to Covid-۱۹ infection.MATERIALS AND METHODSPublications accessible in international databases (Google Scholar and PubMed) were analyzed, searching for keywords such as “Covid-۱۹”, “SARS-CoV-۲”, “Interleukin-۱۷” and “Polymorphism”.RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONMost studies have shown that the production of interleukin ۱۷ is very important for the human immune response to infection. In a research study in ۲۰۲۱, an anti-IL-۱۷ therapy was performed on ۸۸ patients infected with Covid-۱۹. After ۳ days, patients’ CRP and body temperature improved.Another study investigated the IL -۱۷ serum level in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome and corona virus-۲ (SARS-CoV-۲). The results showed that overexpression of IL - ۱۷ can attract more inflammatory cells to the airways and cause tissue damage.CONCLUSIONMost of the studies on IL -۱۷ polymorphism have shown that IL -۱۷ plays an important role in the severity of some infections and its overexpression may have deleterious effects leading to tissue damage in some diseases. Therefore, further studies on different IL -۱۷ polymorphisms as a risk factor for Covid-۱۹ infections are needed to find a solution to reduce the risks.

کلیدواژه ها:

Covid-۱۹ ، IL-۱۷ ، Th۱۷ ، Cytokine ، SNPs