ABSTRACT
Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic inflammatory states of the intestinal tract. While the exact mechanisms inducing chronic inflammation are still unclear, it is hypothesized that the inflammation is caused in part by an inappropriate immune response to the intestinal microflora. Although inflammatory diseases are not directly linked to patient survival, symptoms of these diseases significantly decrease quality of life. The incidence rate is higher in western people than eastern people, but the incidence rate of IBD in eastern people, including Korean, is increasing. Recently, it has been reported that IL-17 is an important factor that appears to be involved in IBD induction and progression. This report reviews many recent papers reporting the relationship between IBD and IL-17, which may provide an understanding leading to new means of prevention and treatment for IBD.