Biological Functions of Interleukin-21 and Its Role in Inflammation

Interleukin-21 (IL-21), the most recently discovered CD132-dependent cytokine, is mainly produced by activated T lymphocytes, particularly the inflammatory Th17 subset, and is believed to be a key factor in the transition between innate and acquired immunity. In the last few years, this cytokine has...

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Main Authors: Martin Pelletier, Denis Girard
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2007-01-01
Series:The Scientific World Journal
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2007.275
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author Martin Pelletier
Denis Girard
author_facet Martin Pelletier
Denis Girard
author_sort Martin Pelletier
collection DOAJ
description Interleukin-21 (IL-21), the most recently discovered CD132-dependent cytokine, is mainly produced by activated T lymphocytes, particularly the inflammatory Th17 subset, and is believed to be a key factor in the transition between innate and acquired immunity. In the last few years, this cytokine has been shown to modulate the functions of T, B, and NK cells, as well as cells of myeloid origin. In addition, it was demonstrated that IL-21 is a potent antitumor agent, making it a promising candidate for the development of therapeutic tools. IL-21 has also been associated with different autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. This review will summarize the biological functions of IL-21 and its potential role in inflammation.
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spelling doaj-art-7326ee486eba429fb555ada2bb981e6c2025-08-20T03:33:50ZengWileyThe Scientific World Journal1537-744X2007-01-0171715173510.1100/tsw.2007.275Biological Functions of Interleukin-21 and Its Role in InflammationMartin Pelletier0Denis Girard1Department of Pathology, Division of General Pathology, University of Verona, ItalyINRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Pointe-Claire, Québec, CanadaInterleukin-21 (IL-21), the most recently discovered CD132-dependent cytokine, is mainly produced by activated T lymphocytes, particularly the inflammatory Th17 subset, and is believed to be a key factor in the transition between innate and acquired immunity. In the last few years, this cytokine has been shown to modulate the functions of T, B, and NK cells, as well as cells of myeloid origin. In addition, it was demonstrated that IL-21 is a potent antitumor agent, making it a promising candidate for the development of therapeutic tools. IL-21 has also been associated with different autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. This review will summarize the biological functions of IL-21 and its potential role in inflammation.http://dx.doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2007.275
spellingShingle Martin Pelletier
Denis Girard
Biological Functions of Interleukin-21 and Its Role in Inflammation
The Scientific World Journal
title Biological Functions of Interleukin-21 and Its Role in Inflammation
title_full Biological Functions of Interleukin-21 and Its Role in Inflammation
title_fullStr Biological Functions of Interleukin-21 and Its Role in Inflammation
title_full_unstemmed Biological Functions of Interleukin-21 and Its Role in Inflammation
title_short Biological Functions of Interleukin-21 and Its Role in Inflammation
title_sort biological functions of interleukin 21 and its role in inflammation
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2007.275
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