Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice
Published on: January 25, 2017
Cell type-specific enhancers regulate IL-22 expression in innate and adaptive type 3 lymphoid cells
Ankita Saini1,2, Leone S Hopkins1, Vanida A Serna1
1Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Abstract:
IL-22, a signature cytokine for type 3 lymphoid cells, including T helper 17/22 (Th17/22) and type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3), mediates epithelial homeostasis and protective pathogen responses in barrier tissues. Upon dysregulation, IL-22 can drive chronic inflammatory diseases, yet little is known about transcriptional elements modulating its expression. Here, we identify two enhancers, E22-1 and E22-2, with distinct capacities for regulating Il22 expression in type 3 lymphoid cells. Both enhancers are necessary for protection from Citrobacter rodentium infection and for the onset of IL-22-mediated psoriasis. E22-2 is specifically required for IL-22 expression in ILC3s, while E22-1 functions in both Th17/22 and ILC3. The ILC3 specificity of E22-2 is attributed to the presence of multiple Runx3 sites and the lack of a functional RORγt motif. We conclude that Th17/22 and ILC3 cells use distinct cis-elements to differentially regulate IL-22 expression, while orchestrating homeostatic protection and pathogen defense in barrier tissues.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
Selectins
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
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...
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...

