Abstract
Summary: The interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) family consists of six cytokines in mammals. Among them, IL‐17 and IL‐17F are expressed by a novel subset of CD4+ helper T cells and play critical function in inflammation and autoimmunity. IL‐17E, also called IL‐25, has been associated with allergic responses. Here, I summarize recent work by my laboratory as well as other investigators in understanding the regulation and function of these three cytokines. From these studies, IL‐17 family cytokines may serve as novel targets for pharmaceutical intervention of immune and inflammatory diseases.