The elucidation of host defense mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and the architecture of cytokine-network.

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IL-17A is a proinflammatory cytokine that enhances generation, activation,and migration of neutrophils. Recently, IL-17A has been reported to provide protections against various pathogens, including mycobacteria species. We have previously reported that IL-17 involves in the immune response against mycobacterial infection through neutrophil recruitment and enhancement of Th1 response. Although IL-17A is generally considered as Th17 cell product, we identified that TCR γδ T cells are the major IL-17A-producing cells in vivo. Furthermore, the lack of IL-17A resulted in reduced IFN-γ production by mycobacteria-specific CD4^+ T cells and impaired granuloma formation after mycobacterial infection. Our data suggest that IL-17A is an important inducer of optimal Th1 response and protective immunity against mycobacterial infection.