Abstract
BACKGROUND: The immune system is closely related to hypertension. Hypertension is an immune disorder to a certain extent, and inflammation is the basis of abnormally elevated blood pressure (BP). The accumulation of T cells and their cytokines can increase BP and end organ damage. T cells are activated by antigen-presenting cells of the innate immune system or by the influence of a high-sodium diet, the self-environment, or the gut microbiota. These cells produce inflammatory factors and cytokines, such as interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in T helper 17 cells, causing vascular inflammation, hypertension, and target organ damage. METHODS: In this article, we provide an insightful review of the research progress regarding the role of IL-17A in the pathogenesis of hypertension and its effects on different organs while emphasizing the role of IL-17A and its mediated functions in the kidneys, brain, intestines, and vascular system in the development and progression of hypertension. RESULTS: At the organ level, IL-17A is involved in the development and progression of hypertension in the kidneys, brain, intestines, and blood vessels, interacting with multiple signal pathway. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have significant implications for developing future immunomodulatory therapies, which may lead to the development of potential treatments for hypertension.