We have recently reported that, in an autoimmune disease model, IL-17 producing CD4 T cells recruit neutrophils through IL-17-mediated activation of chemokine production by epithelial cells.47 Therefore, during B. pertussis infection IL-17, secreted mainly by CD4 TRM cells in the respiratory tract, may act on local epithelial cells to produce chemokines that recruit neutrophils. Here, IL17A is linked to autoimmune disease.