Uncontrolled activity of T cells mediates autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis,
inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and
atherosclerosis. Recent findings suggest that enhanced activity of
interleukin-17 (IL-17) producing T helper 17 cells (Th17 cells) plays an
important role in autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases.
In the
present study, we hypothesized that fenofibrate (a synthetic ligand of
peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)) inhibited the
differentiation of Th17 cells. Our results showed that fenofibrate
inhibited transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and IL-6-induced
differentiation of Th17 cells in vitro. However, other PPARα ligands
such as WY14643, GW7647 and bezafibrate did not show any effect on Th17
differentiation, indicating that this effect of fenofibrate might be
PPARα independent. Furthermore, our data showed that fenofibrate reduced
IL-21 production and STAT3 activation, a critical signal in the Th17
differentiation. Thus, by ameliorating the differentiation of Th17
cells, fenofibrate might be beneficial for autoimmunity and inflammatory
diseases.
Yet another publication on Th17 cells. This study suggests that .fenofibrate could be of use in MS, but it is just hypothetical and much work would needs to be done to show it has any real value in MS.
CoI: None
Labels: Th17