Th17 Response in Uveitis: A Double-Edged Sword in Ocular Inflammation and Immune Regulation

Uveitis involves a complex interplay of immune cell infiltration and cytokine imbalances, with Th17 cells playing a central role in this process. Th17 cells contribute to disease pathogenesis by promoting inflammation, recruiting additional immune cells, and directly damaging retinal tissues. This review discusses the current knowledge on therapeutic strategies targeting Th17-related cytokines, including cytokine blockade, small molecule inhibitors, and immunomodulatory approaches. Traditionally, Th17-related cytokines have been viewed as pro-inflammatory agents in uveitis. However, emerging research has highlighted the capacity of the Th17 response to express immunoregulatory cytokines, notably IL-10, IL-24, and TGF-β. This suggest that the Th17 response may have a dualistic role that includes immune suppression. In this review, we will discuss this paradoxical nature of Th17 cells in immune regulation and inflammation that they can both promote and mitigate uveitis. We expected that a deeper understanding of these mechanisms is imperative for the innovation of novel therapeutics that could consider the dual role of Th17 response in the pathogenesis of uveitis. By finely tuning the Th17 response to preserve retinal integrity and function, these new treatments could bring significant benefits to patients with uveitis. This review aims to shed light on the complexities of the Th17 response in uveitis and its implications for future therapeutic strategies.