Regulatory dynamics of Th17 lymphocytes in oral squamous cell carcinoma: immune modulation and emerging immunotherapies.

With the rapid increase in the severity and mortality of OSCC, the potential for new and effective therapies has increased significantly. Therefore, studying the immunological model of this disease will serve as a basis for developing new treatment approaches. In OSCC, Th17 cells play a crucial role in controlling the outcome of the disease and modulating the response to treatment. This review focuses on Th17 cells, their differentiation and characterization, and the role these lymphocytes play in the occurrence and recovery of OSCC. The prognosis of OSCC may depend on the profile of immune cells infiltrating the tumor and the cytokines they release, as well as the dynamics of transient expression of genes such as PD-1 (Programmed cell death protein-1). The balance between Treg and Th17 cells is crucial for health; Disruption of this balance can lead to autoimmune diseases and disrupt normal body function. The Treg/Th17 axis plays a role not only in the inflammatory cascade but also in bone resorption. One of the factors that most influences the growth of OSCC tumors is the tumor microenvironment. Made up of cytokines, lymphocytes, macrophages, chemokines, growth factors, and similar substances, this tumor milieu significantly controls the course of disease progression. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and drinking, significantly impact Th17 cell activity and distribution in OSCC patients, influencing their immune profile and treatment outcomes. This highlights the need for personalized approaches. Through this review, we aim to provide data on the factors that make OSCC so deadly and also provide an immune profile of this disease.