The role of Th17 cells in SARS-CoV-2 infection: implementation for the therapy of severe COVID-19 cases

Abstract

In this opinion paper, we discuss the implementation of Th17 cells in the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with regard to cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and other COVID-19 complications. Indeed, the imbalance of IL-17 cells and the consequent inflammatory process are key players in the persistent immune activation and development of cytokine storm. We also discuss the different treatment modalities for targeting the Th17 pathway, which may be helpful in managing severe COVID-19 patients with a prominent Th17 profile.

Keywords

• ards
• covid-19
• il-17
• inflammation
• jak2 inhibitors
• sars-cov-2
• th17 cells