Recently, a third subset of Th17 cells has been described. This T helper subset induces the release of chemokines and growth factors and causes neutrophil accumulation in several mammalian organs. Pharmacological intervention blocking Th17 generation as well as IL-17 signaling might prove useful in a variety of diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, psoriatic disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we describe the patents that address a potential pharmacological use of promoting or targeting IL-17.