Jurnal Ners
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026): APRIL 2026

The role of interleukin-17 in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC): literature review

Rizka Amelia (Universitas Sriwijaya)
Susilawati Susilawati (Universitas Sriwijaya)
Fatmawati Fatmawati (Universitas Sriwijaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most prevalent infections of the female genital tract. According to epidemiological data, almost 75% of women will at some point in their lives contract VVC. The main causative agent is Candida albicans. One of the main mediators is IL-17, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is essential to the immunopathogenesis of VVC. Although IL-17 is essential for antifungal immunity, excessive or prolonged activation may lead to pathogenic inflammation and recurrence. This intricacy highlights the necessity of more research into the IL-17 regulation mechanisms in VVC and its possible use as a therapeutic target. Research published between 2020 and 2025 was included in a literature search that was done using databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Eight of the 64 examined papers satisfied the requirements for inclusion. IL-17 is a key mediator in the immunopathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), according to preclinical, mechanistic, and clinical research. Treatments for VVC either increase or decrease IL-17 responses, and genetic variations in the IL-17/IL-23 axis are associated with a higher risk of developing the disease. In conclusion, IL-17 plays a key role in the pathophysiology of VVC. It is a promising biomarker and therapeutic target since it influences both immunological modulation and vulnerability through therapeutic treatments and genetic differences in the IL-17/IL-23 axis.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ners

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing

Description

Fokus Jurnal Ners meliputi bidang kajian riset keperawatan diantaranya Keperawatan Medikal Bedah, Keperawatan Maternitas, Keperawatan Gawat Darurat, Keperawatan Anak, Keperawatan Lansia, Keperawatan Jiwa, Keperawatan Keluarga, Keperawatan Masyarakat, Manajemen Keperawatan dan Terapi Komplementer ...