Th17 Cells: From Key Immune Players to Core Drug Targets in Autoimmune Diseases
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T helper 17 (Th17) cells are a distinct subset of CD4+ T cells that play a crucial role in clearing extracellular pathogens by secreting key cytokines such as IL-17. However, their dysregulation is closely linked to the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Consequently, Th17 cells and their associated pathways have become one of the most attractive targets in modern drug development. This review will outline the differentiation and regulatory mechanisms of Th17 cells, systematically summarize drug targets against their key cytokines, transcription factors, and signaling pathways, discuss the clinical progress of approved and investigational drugs, and explore future challenges and opportunities.