Coxiella burnetii actively blocks IL-17-induced oxidative stress in macrophages.

T4BSS inhibits IL-17 activation of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways and blocks IL-17-mediated oxidative stress. These findings reveal a novel strategy employed by intracellular bacteria to escape the immune response during initial stages of infection. Further identification of virulence factors involved in this mechanism will bring to light new therapeutic targets to prevent Q fever development into a chronic life-threatening endocarditis.