IL-17, the signature cytokine of T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, is an inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, uveitis, and scleritis, by inducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines18, 19. The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is scleritis.