IL-20: biological functions mediated through two types of receptor complexes.
IL-20 was discovered 10 years ago as a new member of the IL-10 family of cytokines. IL-20 shares the highest amino-acid sequence identity with IL-10, IL-24 and IL-19. IL-20 is secreted by immune cells and activated epithelial cells like keratinocytes. A high expression of the corresponding IL-20 receptor chains is detected on epithelial cells. In terms of function, IL-20 might therefore mediate a crosstalk between epithelial cells and tissue-infiltrating immune cells under inflammatory conditions. Transgenic and knockout mouse models for some cytokines and receptors of the IL-10-type cytokines have provided new insights into the biology of this family. This review will focus on the biological functions of IL-20 and its receptors within the IL-10 cytokine network.
Wegenka
Ursula Maria
UM
University Medical Center, Center of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Robert-Koch-Strasse 8, D-89081 Ulm, Germany. ursula.wegenka@uni-ulm.de
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000502:physiology*; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000502:physiology*
D007378:Interleukins; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin; C492510:interleukin-20 receptor; C422042:interleukin 20