Final answer:
TH17 cells are crucial for secreting IL-17 and have a vital role in defending against fungal infections, particularly mucocutaneous infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cell type responsible for secreting IL-17 and playing a significant role in anti-fungal responses is the TH17 cell. TH17 cells are a subtype of helper T cells and are particularly important for the body's defense against chronic mucocutaneous infections. Patients with a deficiency in TH17 cells, such as those with HIV, are more susceptible to bacteremia and gastrointestinal infections. This is in contrast to TH1 cells, which are involved in the immune response against intracellular pathogens by stimulating macrophages, and TH2 cells, which are associated with orchestrating the humoral immune response by activating B cells and assisting in antibody production.