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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice
Published on: January 25, 2017
Biology of interleukin-22
Kerstin Wolk1, Ellen Witte, Katrin Witte
1University Hospital Charité, Berlin, Germany. kerstin.wolk@charite.de
Insights
Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a cytokine that primarily acts on epithelial cells, enhancing antimicrobial defense and tissue repair. It plays a key role in inflammation, immunity, and disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a cytokine belonging to the IL-10 family.
- It is produced by various immune cells, including T helper (Th)22, Th1, Th17 cells, and others.
- IL-22 signaling involves a receptor complex (IL-22R1/IL-10R2) and JAK-STAT pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of IL-22.
- To detail its gene, protein structure, cellular sources, receptors, and target cells.
- To elucidate its biological effects and roles in disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on IL-22.
- Analysis of IL-22's molecular mechanisms and cellular interactions.
- Examination of IL-22's involvement in various pathological conditions.
Main Results:
- IL-22 primarily targets epithelial cells and hepatocytes, not mediating immune cell communication.
- It promotes antimicrobial defense, tissue regeneration, and protection against damage.
- IL-22 induces acute phase reactants and certain chemokines.
Conclusions:
- IL-22 is a crucial cytokine for epithelial barrier integrity and host defense.
- Its dysregulation is implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases, tumor progression, and infections.
- Understanding IL-22's multifaceted roles is vital for therapeutic strategies.
Abstract:
Interleukin (IL)-22 is a member of the IL-10 family of cytokines and represents an important effector molecule of activated Th22, Th1, and Th17 cells, as well as Tc-cell subsets, gammadelta T cells, natural killer (NK), and NKT cells. IL-22 mediates its effects via a heterodimeric transmembrane receptor complex consisting of IL-22R1 and IL-10R2 and subsequent Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathways including Jak1, Tyk2, and STAT3. Whereas in some aspects, IL-22 acts synergistically with tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1beta, or IL-17, most functions of IL-22 are unique. Importantly, IL-22 does not serve the communication between immune cells. It mainly acts on epithelial cells and hepatocytes, where it favors the antimicrobial defense, regeneration, and protection against damage and induces acute phase reactants and some chemokines. This chapter illuminates in detail the properties of IL-22 with respect to its gene, protein structure, cellular sources, receptors, target cells, biological effects, and, finally, its role in chronic inflammatory diseases, tumors, and infection.
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