Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a cytokine produced by activated CD4+ T cells, activated natural killer T cells, and T follicular cells, has been reported to play a crucial role in the tissue-damaging T cell response in various organs, such as gut, skin, pancreas, and joints. This pathogenic effect is strictly linked to the ability of IL-21 to enhance the functional activities of multiple immune and non-immune cells. Consistently, studies from various laboratories have shown that blockade of IL-21 limits the progression of T cell-mediated inflammatory diseases in mice. Here we review the present knowledge on the expression and role of IL-21 in T cell-mediated pathologies.
Monteleone, G., Sarra, M., Pallone, F. (2009). Interleukin-21 in T cell-mediated diseases. DISCOVERY MEDICINE, 8(42), 113-117.
Interleukin-21 in T cell-mediated diseases
MONTELEONE, GIOVANNI;PALLONE, FRANCESCO
2009-10-01
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a cytokine produced by activated CD4+ T cells, activated natural killer T cells, and T follicular cells, has been reported to play a crucial role in the tissue-damaging T cell response in various organs, such as gut, skin, pancreas, and joints. This pathogenic effect is strictly linked to the ability of IL-21 to enhance the functional activities of multiple immune and non-immune cells. Consistently, studies from various laboratories have shown that blockade of IL-21 limits the progression of T cell-mediated inflammatory diseases in mice. Here we review the present knowledge on the expression and role of IL-21 in T cell-mediated pathologies.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.