Interleukin-17 in Health and Disease: Special Focus on Its Role in Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a progressive inflammatory liver disease characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, circulating antibodies, and distinctive histological features, with a higher prevalence in females. Immune responses targeting hepatic antigens are considered the main mechanism behind AIH. Many cytokines are involved in the inflammatory response typical of this disease. Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is a powerful pro-inflammatory protein that serves as a key link between the innate and adaptive immune systems. It plays an important role in regulating the inflammatory response in various tissues, including the liver. Several studies have shown that increased IL-17 levels are associated with the severity and progression of AIH. This review explores IL-17’s role in the AIH inflammatory pathway and summarizes existing evidence linking it to liver damage. We also highlight the potential of future therapies targeting this cytokine.