The Role of IL-22 in Viral Infections: Paradigms and Paradoxes.
Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a member of the IL-10 family of cytokines. Hematopoietic cells express IL-22, and this cytokine signals through the heterodimeric IL-22 receptor expressed by non-hematopoietic cells. A growing body of evidence points toward a role for IL-22 in a diverse array of biological functions ranging from cellular proliferation, tissue protection and regeneration, and inflammation. In recent years, the role that IL-22 plays in antiviral immune responses has been examined in a number of infection models. Herein, we assess our current understanding of how IL-22 determines the outcome of viral infections and define common mechanisms that are evident from, sometimes paradoxical, findings derived from these studies. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic utility of IL-22 manipulation in the treatment and prevention of viral infections and associated pathologies.
Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Silvia
S
Gimeno Brias
Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Gabrielle
G
Stack
Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Maria A
MA
Stacey
The Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University , Murdoch, WA , Australia.
Alec J
AJ
Redwood
Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Ian R
IR
Humphreys
cytokines; cytomegalovirus; immune system diseases; pathology; viruses