Streptococcus pneumoniae has a complex relationship with its obligate human host. On the
one hand, the pneumococci are highly adapted commensals, and their main reservoir on the …

Our understanding of the role of T cells in human disease is undergoing revision as a result
of the discovery of T‐helper 17 (Th17) cells, a unique CD4+ T‐cell subset characterized by …

Alveolar epithelium plays a pivotal role in protecting the lungs from inhaled infectious
agents. Therefore, the regenerative capacity of the alveolar epithelium is critical for recovery …

Summary Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) signaling are essential for
regulating mucosal host defense against many invading pathogens. Commensal bacteria …

Emerging evidence supports the concept that T helper type 17 (TH17) cells, in addition to
mediating autoimmunity, have key roles in mucosal immunity against extracellular …

Abstract T helper type 17 (Th17) cells are a distinct lineage of T cells that produce the
effector molecules IL-17, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22. Although the role of Th17 cells in …

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major pathogen of humans, causing diseases such as
pneumonia and meningitis. The organism produces several virulence factors that are …

The discovery of the key roles of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and IL-17A producing cells in
inflammation, autoimmune diseases and host defense has led to the experimental targeting …

© 2008 Lochner et al. This article is distributed under the terms of an Attribution–
Noncommercial–Share Alike–No Mirror Sites license for the first six months after the …

Microbial colonization of mucosal surfaces may be an initial event in the progression to
disease, and it is often a transient process. For the extracellular pathogen Streptococcus …