Abstract: Autoimmune diseases are the outcomes of a breakdown of immune tolerance that eventually leads to tissue damage, but the etiology of which has not been elucidated. Helper T cells (Th17), regulatory T cells (Treg), Treg/Th17 imbalance and related cytokines are closely related to the occurrence and development of autoimmune diseases. Interleukin (IL) -17 mainly secreted by Th17, has a pro-inflammatory effect and is involved in the occurrence and development of various autoimmune diseases. IL-35 as an important cytokine related to Th17/Treg is a novel cytokine in the IL-12 family, is mainly produced by Treg and has a negative immunomodulatory effect. This article reviewed the function, mechanism and role of IL-17 and IL-35 in autoimmune diseases, in order to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of these diseases.