The many faces of Th17 cells

Th17 cells have been shown to be strong inducers of tissue inflammation and autoimmune diseases. However, not all Th17 cells are pathogenic and increasing data suggest that Th17 cells may come in different flavors. Thus, Th17 cells cannot be described using a narrow schematic, but instead Th17 cells comprise a wide spectrum with a range of effector phenotypes. Here, we review the key factors that generate such diversity, as well as the cytokines and transcription factors that are differentially expressed in pathogenic and nonpathogenic Th17 cells. This new knowledge can be used to identify molecules that make Th17 cells pathogenic and determine how these cells could be targeted to suppress autoimmune diseases.