[Interleukin-21: a key cytokine for controlling HIV and other chronic viral infections]

The differentiation, homeostatic proliferation and effector functions of different immune cells are controlled, to a large extent, by cytokines. Viruses often cause immune response dysfunctions by causing defects in the cytokine networks. The defects are often manifested by altered cytokine secretion and/or responsiveness to the cytokine. Among these cytokines, Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a relatively recently discovered cytokine, which is mainly produced by CD4(+) T cells in the body, and exerts multiple and pleiotropic effects on various immune cells. Recent studies have shown that the cytokine is indispensable for controlling chronic viral infections. This review summarizes current knowledges concerning the biological effects of this cytokine on different components of the immune system. We also discuss how it contributes toward mounting efficient antiviral immunity and controlling chronic viral infections, especially HIV-1. The IL-1 cytokine represents a novel therapeutic agent for virus-infected patients as well as an adjuvant in antiviral vaccination strategies.