Preclinical studies and the function of IL-17 cytokines in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is among the leading causes of death worldwide and imposes a high economic burden to the health systems. COPD is characterized by chronic inflammation of the lung leading to airflow limitation, alveolar tissue destruction, and emphysema. Therefore, anti-inflammatory therapies for the treatment of COPD are of interest. In this review, we focus on the function of the IL-17 cytokines IL-17A and IL-17C, both known to mediate the recruitment of inflammatory cells, in the pathogenesis of COPD. We highlight that the expression of IL-17A and IL-17C is induced by pathogens frequently found in lungs of COPD patients and that targeting IL-17-signaling is an interesting option for the treatment of acute exacerbation of COPD.