Th17/Treg Imbalance: Implications in Lung Inflammatory Diseases

Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 cells (Th17) are two CD4+ T cell subsets with antagonist effects. Th17 cells promote inflammation, whereas Tregs are crucial in maintaining immune homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that Th17 cells and Treg cells are the foremost players in several inflammatory diseases. In this review, we explore the present knowledge on the role of Th17 cells and Treg cells, focusing on lung inflammatory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sarcoidosis, asthma, and pulmonary infectious diseases.