IL-17F is a cytokine in the IL-17 family with complex immunological roles. Structurally similar to IL-17A, it can form homodimers and heterodimers, primarily produced by T cell subsets and regulated by transcription factors like RORγt.

Physiologically, IL-17F is crucial for immune defense:

• Maintains tissue barriers in gut and lungs
• Recruits neutrophils to infection sites
• Supports tissue healing
• Interacts with microbiota

In disease contexts, IL-17F plays a nuanced role:

• Defends against pathogens
• Can exacerbate inflammatory conditions
• Implicated in: Psoriasis: Stimulating skin cell growth, Bowel diseases: Disrupting gut barrier, Asthma: Promoting inflammation

Therapeutic approaches target IL-17F:

• Monoclonal antibodies blocking IL-17F/IL-17A
• Specific IL-17F inhibitors
• Promising trials in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Key challenges include:

• Balancing immune protection with inflammation suppression
• Developing targeted delivery systems
• Identifying optimal patient treatments

Emerging strategies focus on:

• Pathway-specific inhibitors
• Combination inflammatory treatments
• Personalized therapeutic approaches