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IL-21 and autoimmune disease--hypothesis and reality?
1Medical Inflammation Research, BMC I11, Lund University, Lund, Sweden. Rikard.Holmdahl@ki.se
European Journal of Immunology
|June 12, 2008
Summary
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) and its receptor (IL-21R) were previously thought essential for Th17 cell differentiation and autoimmune disease. New findings challenge this, suggesting IL-21/IL-21R do not impact Th17 development or autoimmune inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Previous research suggested Interleukin-21 (IL-21) and its receptor (IL-21R) are critical for T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation.
- IL-21 and IL-21R were considered potential therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases due to their proposed role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IL-21 and IL-21R in Th17 cell development.
- To determine the involvement of IL-21 and IL-21R in autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
Main Methods:
- The study involved analyzing the differentiation of naive T cells.
- Experimental models of autoimmune inflammatory disease were utilized.
Main Results:
- Contrary to previous data, this study found that IL-21 and/or IL-21R play no significant role in Th17 cell differentiation.
- The findings also indicate that IL-21 and IL-21R are not involved in the development of autoimmune inflammatory disease.
Conclusions:
- The established role of IL-21 and IL-21R in Th17 development and autoimmune diseases requires re-evaluation.
- Contradictory findings highlight the complexity of immune regulation and the need for further investigation into the precise functions of IL-21/IL-21R signaling pathways.
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