Research progress on helper T cell-17 and interleukin-17 in oral lichen planus
10.12016/j.issn.2096-1456.202440124
- Author:
WANG Yijue
1
;
XU Yihong
2
;
WANG Jiongke
3
,
4
,
5
,
6
,
7
Author Information
1. West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University
2. The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University
3. State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases &
4. National Center for Stomatology &
5. National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases &
6. Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management &
7. Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
T-helper 17 cell;
interleukin-17;
cytokine;
oral lichen planus;
immune response;
pathogenesis;
inflammation;
oral microbiology;
targeted therapy
- From:
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases
2025;33(2):153-159
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease occurring in the oral mucosa. Clinically, OLP presents with various lesion morphologies, attributed to differences in host immune responses. T-helper 17 cells (Th17) are a crucial component of the cellular immune response, primarily functioning through the secretion of interleukin 17 (IL-17). IL-17 plays a dual role in the oral mucosa: on one hand, it exerts a protective effect by promoting the recruitment of neutrophils driven by chemokines, enhancing the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, and strengthening the mucosal barrier; on the other hand, it binds to target cells in the mucosal tissue, activating downstream inflammatory signaling pathways such as nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), thereby initiating a pro-inflammatory cascade. This process increases the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors and promotes the recruitment and activation of immune cells, exacerbating inflammation. Current research extensively explores the correlation between the Th17/IL-17 axis and the pathogenesis and progression of OLP. This paper aims to review these developments to provide a research foundation for further elucidating the immunological mechanisms of OLP. Literature review results indicate that upregulation of Th17 and IL-17 in local lesion tissues and peripheral blood of OLP patients may be a key molecular event in the development of OLP. Compared to non-erosive OLP, higher expression levels of Th17 and IL-17 in the tissues and blood of patients with erosive OLP suggest a positive correlation between Th17/IL-17 and disease severity. Clinical studies demonstrate that targeted drugs against the Th17/IL-17 axis, by directly blocking IL-17 or inhibiting the production of Th17 cells, can effectively improve mucosal damage in OLP patients, showcasing potential as a new target for immune therapy. However, whether Th17 and IL-17 influence the pathogenesis of OLP by regulating the oral microbiome remains unclear. In summary, the Th17/IL-17 axis holds potential value as a new target for the immune therapy of OLP, warranting further in-depth research into its biological functions and signaling mechanisms within the inflammatory process of OLP.
- Full text:2025022709394323287辅助性T细胞17和白细胞介素17在口腔扁平苔藓中的研究进展.pdf
