Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-21 is a new member of the type I cytokine superfamily. Although it is most homologous to IL-15, it has a unique receptor chain, IL-21R, that pairs with the gamma-common cytokine receptor chain. The first experiments examining the biology of the IL-21 pathway reveal that it is a cytokine with effects on natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and B cells. Mice deficient in the IL-21R have also been made, and are being examined for the effects of the IL-21/IL-21R pathway in vivo. Here we summarize our current knowledge of this new cytokine pathway, and its role in innate and adaptive immunity.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
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Humans
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Interleukin-15 / genetics
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Interleukin-15 / immunology
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Interleukin-21 Receptor alpha Subunit
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Interleukins / immunology
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Interleukins / metabolism*
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Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
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Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism*
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Receptors, Interleukin / immunology
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Receptors, Interleukin / metabolism*
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Receptors, Interleukin-21
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Signal Transduction / immunology
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Signal Transduction / physiology
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
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Transcription Factors / immunology
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
Substances
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IL21R protein, human
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Il21r protein, mouse
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Interleukin-15
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Interleukin-21 Receptor alpha Subunit
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Interleukins
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Receptors, Interleukin
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Receptors, Interleukin-21
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Transcription Factors
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interleukin-21