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IL-17A

Meaning

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, a small signaling protein, primarily produced by a subset of T-helper cells known as Th17 cells, playing a pivotal role in host defense and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This molecule is a potent mediator of the inflammatory response, orchestrating the recruitment of immune cells like neutrophils to sites of infection or tissue damage. In the context of hormonal and metabolic health, dysregulated IL-17A activity is implicated in chronic, low-grade inflammation, which contributes to conditions such as insulin resistance, obesity, and autoimmune endocrine disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.