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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice
Published on: January 25, 2017
IL-17 and IL-22: siblings, not twins
Stefanie Eyerich1, Kilian Eyerich, Andrea Cavani
1Molecular Immunology, Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK. stefanie.eyerich@lrz.tum.de
T helper (Th) cells produce Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and Interleukin-22 (IL-22), cytokines impacting epithelial cells. While both induce innate immune responses, IL-17 promotes inflammation in autoimmune diseases, and IL-22 offers protection and regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- T helper (Th) cell subsets are crucial regulators of immune responses through cytokine secretion.
- Interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-22 represent a distinct class of cytokines primarily affecting epithelial cells.
- These cytokines play significant roles in various disease processes, highlighting their clinical relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and contrast the characteristics of IL-17 and IL-22.
- To elucidate the distinct and overlapping functions of IL-17 and IL-22 in immune responses.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of their cellular sources, structure, signaling, and functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on IL-17 and IL-22.
- Comparative analysis of cytokine properties, including cellular origins and molecular structures.
- Examination of signaling pathways activated by IL-17 and IL-22 in target cells.
Main Results:
- IL-17 and IL-22 are secreted by various leukocytes, including Th cells and natural killer cells.
- Both cytokines stimulate innate immune responses in epithelial cells but exhibit distinct functional profiles.
- IL-17 is associated with inflammatory responses and autoimmune disease pathogenesis, while IL-22 demonstrates protective and regenerative functions.
Conclusions:
- IL-17 and IL-22, despite shared cellular sources and target cells, possess divergent roles in immunity and disease.
- Understanding these differences is critical for developing targeted therapeutic strategies for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
- Further research into their specific signaling cascades and functions will refine their therapeutic potential.
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