IL-17 producing T cells in celiac disease: angels or devils?

Celiac disease (CD) is a very common chronic condition in human beings, affecting approximately one in 100 individuals. It is an autoimmune disease with a defined environmental trigger, the gluten contained in dietary cereals, occurring in genetically susceptible individuals. The disease has a very strong HLA association. More than 90% of CD patients have HLA-DQ2, and almost all of the remaining celiac population possesses HLA-DQ8 molecules. Th17 cells seem to participate in the disease pathogenesis producing and secreting either proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines.