title: Immune modulation with interleukin-21.
abstract: Interleukin 21 (IL-21) is produced by activated CD4(+) T cells. The IL-21R shares the common receptor gamma-chain with IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15, is widely expressed on immune cells, and mediates a variety of effects on the immune system. IL-21 enhances the proliferation, antigen-induced activation, clonal expansion, IFN-gamma production, and cytotoxicity of NK cells and T cells. The antitumor actions of IL-21 have been variously attributed to NK cell and CD8(+) T cell cytotoxicity, CD4(+) T cell help, NKT cells, and the antiangiogenic properties induced by IFN-gamma secretion. In clinical trials IL-21 has been well tolerated and induces a unique pattern of immune activation. IL-21 is therefore an excellent candidate for use in immune therapy.
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Neela S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Bhave
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Carson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007378:Interleukins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D000098546:Interleukin-21
chemical_list: D007378:Interleukins; D000098546:Interleukin-21