title: New directions in the basic and translational biology of interleukin-27.
abstract: Interleukin (IL)-27 is a member of the IL-6 and IL-12 family composed of the IL-27p28 and Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) subunits. Although IL-27 was originally identified as a proinflammatory factor, subsequent studies have revealed the pleiotropic nature of this cytokine. This review discusses recent work that has explored the effect of IL-27 on CD4(+) T cell subsets, including T regulatory type 1 (Tr-1) cells, T follicular helper cells (Tfhs), and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)(+) T regulatory cells (Tregs). Additionally, we highlight studies that have identified a role for the IL-27p28 subunit as a cytokine receptor antagonist. Much of the recent work on IL-27 has been relevant to human disease states characterized by inappropriate or excessive inflammation, and this review discusses potential opportunities to use IL-27 as a therapeutic agent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Elia D Tait
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Wojno
authors.forename: Christopher A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Hunter
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D056724:Immunity, Humoral; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D020381:Interleukin-17