Interleukin 21 is a T helper (Th) cell 2 cytokine that specifically inhibits the differentiation of naive Th cells into interferon gamma-producing Th1 cells

J Exp Med. 2002 Oct 7;196(7):969-77. doi: 10.1084/jem.20020620.

Abstract

The cytokine potential of developing T helper (Th) cells is directly shaped both positively and negatively by the cytokines expressed by the effector Th cell subsets. Here we find that the recently identified cytokine, interleukin (IL)-21, is preferentially expressed by Th2 cells when compared with Th1 cells generated in vitro and in vivo. Exposure of naive Th precursors to IL-21 inhibits interferon (IFN)-gamma production from developing Th1 cells. The repression of IFN-gamma production is specific in that the expression of other Th1 and Th2 cytokines is unaffected. IL-21 decreases the IL-12 responsiveness of developing Th cells by specifically reducing both signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 protein and mRNA expression. These results suggest that Th2 cell-derived IL-21 regulates the development of IFN-gamma-producing Th1 cells which could serve to amplify a Th2 response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis*
  • Interferon-gamma / genetics
  • Interleukins / genetics
  • Interleukins / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukins
  • Interferon-gamma
  • interleukin-21