Interleukin-17A: A Bright Target for Toxicological Mechanisms and Mitigation of Toxic Elements in the Environment

Science and other peer-reviewed studies recognize cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and fluoride (F) as highly hazardous toxic elements that threaten global health. However, understanding their toxic mechanisms and effective mitigation remains a global challenge. Growing evidence suggests that interleukin-17A (IL-17A) not only plays a role in inflammatory and immune diseases but may also be the brightest target in the mechanisms of toxic injury and its mitigation. This review summarizes IL-17A signaling in toxic element poisoning, highlighting distinct effects on apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis: fluorine promotes cell death, cadmium shows dose-dependent regulation of IL-17A-mediated apoptosis, and arsenic and mercury may inhibit pyroptosis and IL-17A secretion. Moreover, interventions such as riboflavin, bifidobacterium, melatonin (MLT), Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), lentinan, and taxifolin, were discussed for their protective effects via IL-17A modulation. This provides novel insights into IL-17A signaling, health risks, and therapeutic approaches against toxic elements.