IL-17F Activators

Interleukin-17F (IL-17F) is a member of the IL-17 family, a group of cytokines that play a crucial role in inflammatory responses and host defense. IL-17F is predominantly produced by Th17 cells, a subset of pro-inflammatory T helper cells. Structurally similar to IL-17A, IL-17F functions primarily as a homodimer, but it can also form heterodimers with IL-17A. These cytokines exert their effects by binding to the IL-17 receptor, which triggers a signaling cascade leading to the induction of other pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and metalloproteases.

IL-17F is involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis, by recruiting neutrophils and macrophages to the site of inflammation and enhancing the barrier function of epithelial cells. It also plays a role in defending against extracellular pathogens, particularly at mucosal surfaces.The expression of IL-17F is induced by a combination of cytokines that promote Th17 cell differentiation, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Its activity is modulated by the local cytokine environment and is subject to regulation by various transcription factors, such as RORγt, which is considered the master regulator of Th17 cell differentiation.