title: Interleukin-22: a novel T- and NK-cell derived cytokine that regulates the biology of tissue cells.
abstract: Interleukin (IL)-22, discovered in 2000, is a member of the IL-10 family of cytokines. The major sources of IL-22 are activated T1- and NK-cells. IL-22 acts via a heterodimeric receptor complex consisting of IL-22R1 and IL-10R2. Neither resting nor activated immune cells express IL-22R1 or respond to IL-22. In contrast, tissue cells at outer body barriers, i.e. of the skin, kidney, and the digestive and respiratory systems are targets of this cytokine. IL-22 functions by promoting the anti-microbial defense, protecting against damage, and re-organizing non-immune tissues. Furthermore, IL-22 induces acute phase reactants. These findings indicate that IL-22 represents a novel type of immune mediator that, although produced by immune cells, regulates tissue protection and homeostasis.
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary group of Molecular Immunopathology, Dermatology/Medical Immunology, University Hospital Charité, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Kerstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wolk
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sabat
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D053710:Interleukin-10 Receptor beta Subunit / Q000502:physiology; D007378:Interleukins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000502:physiology; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D000097043:Interleukin-22
chemical_list: D053710:Interleukin-10 Receptor beta Subunit; D007378:Interleukins; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin; D000097043:Interleukin-22; C433253:IL22RA2 protein, human