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Updated: May 12, 2026
10:30
Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice
Published on: January 25, 2017
Interleukin-21 in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Massimiliano Sarra1, Francesco Pallone, Giovanni Monteleone
1Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Biofactors (Oxford, England)
|April 5, 2013
Summary
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a key immune regulator involved in various inflammatory diseases. Blocking IL-21 may offer therapeutic benefits for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine produced by activated CD4+ T cells.
- IL-21 influences adaptive and innate immune responses, including T cell proliferation, B cell differentiation, and natural killer cell activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenic role of IL-21 in immune-inflammatory diseases.
- To discuss the potential benefits and risks of IL-21 neutralization in patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on IL-21 function and its role in disease.
- Analysis of data from human studies and mouse models of immune-mediated diseases.
Main Results:
- IL-21 regulates T cell and B cell functions, natural killer cells, and regulatory T cells.
- Excessive IL-21 production is linked to chronic inflammatory disorders.
- IL-21 blockade shows promise in preclinical models of immune-mediated diseases.
Conclusions:
- IL-21 plays a significant pathogenic role in immune-inflammatory conditions.
- Targeting IL-21 warrants further investigation for therapeutic intervention, balancing benefits and risks.
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