Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

A case report of acute carcinoid heart failure during lutetium-177 dotatate-triapine treatment for well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors.

Frontiers in oncology·2026
Same author

Acute circulating tumor DNA dynamics during and after systemic therapy initiation for advanced triple-negative breast cancer.

NPJ breast cancer·2026
Same author

Early life abuse and neglect in breast cancer survivors: Associations with physical and psychological health throughout diagnosis and survivorship.

Journal of traumatic stress·2026
Same author

Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade in surgically resectable desmoplastic melanoma: cohort A of the phase 2 SWOG S1512 trial.

Nature cancer·2026
Same author

Phase II Trial of Interleukin-12 Followed by Interferon Alfa-2b in Patients with Metastatic Malignant Melanoma: Results from CALGB 500001 (Alliance).

Cancer immunology research·2026
Same author

Cancer mortality rates by detailed occupation among US working-age adults between 2020 and 2023: a population-based study.

The Lancet. Oncology·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

In Vitro Differentiation of Naive CD4+ T Cells into Pathogenic Th17 Cells in Mouse
07:46

In Vitro Differentiation of Naive CD4+ T Cells into Pathogenic Th17 Cells in Mouse

Published on: October 25, 2024

Immune modulation with interleukin-21.

Neela S Bhave1, William E Carson

  • 1The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 16, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Interleukin 21 (IL-21) enhances immune cell activity, including NK cells and T cells, for potential anti-tumor effects. Clinical trials show IL-21 is well-tolerated and activates the immune system, making it a promising immunotherapy candidate.

More Related Videos

Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice
10:30

Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice

Published on: January 25, 2017

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
12:59

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes

Published on: September 26, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

In Vitro Differentiation of Naive CD4+ T Cells into Pathogenic Th17 Cells in Mouse
07:46

In Vitro Differentiation of Naive CD4+ T Cells into Pathogenic Th17 Cells in Mouse

Published on: October 25, 2024

Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice
10:30

Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice

Published on: January 25, 2017

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
12:59

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes

Published on: September 26, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Interleukin 21 (IL-21) is a cytokine produced by activated CD4(+) T cells.
  • The IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) shares a common gamma-chain with other cytokines and is expressed on various immune cells.
  • IL-21 modulates immune responses, affecting proliferation, activation, and cytotoxicity of immune cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted roles of IL-21 in immune system modulation.
  • To investigate the mechanisms underlying IL-21's anti-tumor actions.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of IL-21 in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on IL-21 function and clinical trial data.
  • Analysis of IL-21's effects on Natural Killer (NK) cells and T cells.
  • Assessment of IL-21's contribution to anti-tumor immunity.

Main Results:

  • IL-21 enhances proliferation, antigen-specific activation, clonal expansion, IFN-gamma production, and cytotoxicity of NK and T cells.
  • Anti-tumor effects of IL-21 are linked to NK and CD8(+) T cell cytotoxicity, CD4(+) T cell help, NKT cells, and IFN-gamma-induced antiangiogenesis.
  • Clinical trials indicate IL-21 is well-tolerated and induces a distinct pattern of immune activation.

Conclusions:

  • IL-21 exhibits potent immunomodulatory effects beneficial for anti-tumor immunity.
  • The cytokine's ability to enhance cytotoxic cell activity and immune activation supports its therapeutic potential.
  • IL-21 represents a promising candidate for novel immune-based cancer therapies.