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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice
Published on: January 25, 2017
The role of IL-21 in immunity and cancer
Matthew R Davis1, Ziwen Zhu2, Dwayne M Hansen1
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa 50312, USA.
Abstract:
Interleukin-21 (IL-21), produced predominantly by CD4+ T cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells, is a newly discovered member of the common γ-chain family of cytokines. It has been implicated in many immunological processes and has been linked to autoimmune diseases, allergies and other inflammatory diseases. In recent years, the role for IL-21 in the pathogenesis of cancer has also been extensively studied. In this review, we will discuss recent advances concerning the role of IL-21 in immunological processes and the pathogenesis of cancer.
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