IL-21 and IL-21 receptor: a new cytokine pathway modulates innate and adaptive immunity.
Interleukin (IL)-21 is a new member of the type I cytokine superfamily. Although it is most homologous to IL-15, it has a unique receptor chain, IL-21R, that pairs with the gamma-common cytokine receptor chain. The first experiments examining the biology of the IL-21 pathway reveal that it is a cytokine with effects on natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and B cells. Mice deficient in the IL-21R have also been made, and are being examined for the effects of the IL-21/IL-21R pathway in vivo. Here we summarize our current knowledge of this new cytokine pathway, and its role in innate and adaptive immunity.
Collins
Mary
M
Inflammation, Wyeth Research, Cambridge, MA, USA. marycollins@wyeth.com
Whitters
Matthew J
MJ
Young
Deborah A
DA
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D053738:Interleukin-21 Receptor alpha Subunit; D007378:Interleukins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D053655:Receptors, Interleukin-21; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D000098546:Interleukin-21
C508117:IL21R protein, human; C508118:Il21r protein, mouse; D019409:Interleukin-15; D053738:Interleukin-21 Receptor alpha Subunit; D007378:Interleukins; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin; D053655:Receptors, Interleukin-21; D014157:Transcription Factors; D000098546:Interleukin-21