Expression and regulation of IL-22 in the IL-17-producing CD4+ T lymphocytes.
IL-22 is a novel cytokine in the IL-10 family that functions to promote innate immunity of tissues against infection. Although CD4+ helper T lymphocytes (TH) were found as a source of IL-22, the regulation of this cytokine has been poorly understood. Here, we show that IL-22 is expressed at both mRNA and protein levels by a novel subset of TH cells that also makes IL-17. IL-22 and IL-17 were found to be coordinately regulated by TGFbeta and IL-6 during TH differentiation by real-time PCR as well as ELISA analysis. However, IL-22 does not regulate TH differentiation; exogenous IL-22 or an IL-22 antagonist had no effect on TH differentiation. These data demonstrate a novel cytokine expressed by IL-17-producing T cells, and suggest interaction and synergy of IL-22 and IL-17 signaling pathways in tissue inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Chung
Yeonseok
Y
Department of Immunology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Yang
Xuexian
X
Chang
Seon Hee
SH
Ma
Li
L
Tian
Qiang
Q
Dong
Chen
C
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000502:physiology; D007378:Interleukins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D000097043:Interleukin-22
D020381:Interleukin-17; D007378:Interleukins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D000097043:Interleukin-22