Int J Burn Trauma 2012;2(1):11-17
Review Article
The Th-17 response and its potential role in post-injury pulmonary
complications
Travis L. Holloway, Martin G. Schwacha
Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San
Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
Received January 9, 2012; accepted January 16, 2012; Epub January 27, 2012; Published February 28, 2012
Abstract: Trauma is a leading cause of death and morbidity among all ages and constitutes a major public health problem.
This burden is initially directed at stabilizing direct injury, however, post-trauma complications are common and prolong costly
ICU stays. Among these complications are acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). While
care for these pulmonary complications has now been standardized and prevention continues to improve, the true
pathophysiology has not been elucidated. Current evidence suggests that the activation of a pro-inflammatory cascade plays
an important role in the pathogenesis of trauma related lung injury. Additionally, there is a novel T-cell response that has been
shown to be intricately involved in other non-traumatic lung diseases and multiple inflammatory diseases. With the recent
discovery of this novel T-helper subset (Th-17) and the main effector cytokine, IL-17, there is the potential for further
categorizing the biologic mechanism leading to ALI and ARDS. By utilizing the discoveries provided by animal models and
further investigation into local and systemic cytokine profiles in human trauma victims, the information gained holds promise in
the development of unique therapeutic modalities for the treatment and prevention of ARDS following traumatic injury.
(IJBT1201001).
Keywords: Inflammation, immune, T-Cells, cytokines
Address correspondence to:
Martin G. Schwacha, PhD
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Department of Surgery Mail Code 7740
7703 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio TX 78229-3900
Phone: 210-567-3623
Fax: 210-567-0003
E-mail: Schwacha@uthscsa.edu
Review Article
The Th-17 response and its potential role in post-injury pulmonary
complications
Travis L. Holloway, Martin G. Schwacha
Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San
Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
Received January 9, 2012; accepted January 16, 2012; Epub January 27, 2012; Published February 28, 2012
Abstract: Trauma is a leading cause of death and morbidity among all ages and constitutes a major public health problem.
This burden is initially directed at stabilizing direct injury, however, post-trauma complications are common and prolong costly
ICU stays. Among these complications are acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). While
care for these pulmonary complications has now been standardized and prevention continues to improve, the true
pathophysiology has not been elucidated. Current evidence suggests that the activation of a pro-inflammatory cascade plays
an important role in the pathogenesis of trauma related lung injury. Additionally, there is a novel T-cell response that has been
shown to be intricately involved in other non-traumatic lung diseases and multiple inflammatory diseases. With the recent
discovery of this novel T-helper subset (Th-17) and the main effector cytokine, IL-17, there is the potential for further
categorizing the biologic mechanism leading to ALI and ARDS. By utilizing the discoveries provided by animal models and
further investigation into local and systemic cytokine profiles in human trauma victims, the information gained holds promise in
the development of unique therapeutic modalities for the treatment and prevention of ARDS following traumatic injury.
(IJBT1201001).
Keywords: Inflammation, immune, T-Cells, cytokines
Address correspondence to:
Martin G. Schwacha, PhD
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Department of Surgery Mail Code 7740
7703 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio TX 78229-3900
Phone: 210-567-3623
Fax: 210-567-0003
E-mail: Schwacha@uthscsa.edu
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