Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9899
ISSN: 2155-9899
Sonia S. Jung and Heath M. Guay
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems and tissues. Activation and differentiation of autoreactive T and B cells, and the formation of pathogenic autoantibodies are central to disease pathogenesis. IL-21 is the most recently identified member of the family of cytokines whose receptors share the common γc. IL-21 is a pleotropic cytokine that regulates the activation, differentiation and expansion of B and T cells. Here, we review the role of IL-21 in T and B cell biology, and provide insight into the potential role of IL-21 in the development of SLE.