IL17A and periodontitis: The role of IL17 in periodontal disease in people is uncertain, since IL17 has been shown to promote bone destruction but is nonetheless essential to protect the host from pathogens, including periodontopathic organisms.[31] Defects in Th17 cells and/or their signature cytokines result in significant susceptibility to oral fungal infections.[32–34] As well, amplified/uncontrolled Th17 responses have been documented in periodontitis.[35–37] Recent evidence has shown that Th17 cells are more osteoclastogenic than other T helper subsets such as Th1 or Th2.