IL-17 increases PGE2 production and COX-2 expression via the FOS and JUN subunits in NPCs, thus mediating inflammation of the intervertebral disc [45], and promotes IDD by suppressing autophagy through activation of the PI3K/Akt/Bcl-2 signaling pathway [56]. The gene discussed is JUN; the disease is intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.