ISSN: 2155-9899
+44 1223 790975
Aini Xie
Tanzania
Review Article
The Emerging Role of Interleukin-21 in Transplantation
Author(s): Aini Xie, Eric Dale Buras, Jiahong Xia and Wenhao ChenAini Xie, Eric Dale Buras, Jiahong Xia and Wenhao Chen
Since its discovery in 2000, IL-21 has been shown to play critical roles in the regulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. IL-21 is produced predominantly by multiple effector CD4+ T-cell types [T helper 17 (Th17), follicular helper T (TFH), and other activated CD4+ cells] and NKT cells. In addition to T cell receptor (TCR) signals, the production of IL-21 by activated CD4+ T cells is intricately regulated by various extrinsic factors and intrinsic molecules, such as IL-6, IL-21, ICOS, Stat3, IRF4, and Batf. Because IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) is broadly expressed on T, B, NK, and dentritic cells (DCs), IL-21 signaling via Jak-Stat and other pathways has direct pleiotropic effects on their proliferation, differentiation, and effector function. For instance, while Th17 and TFH cells produce IL-21, IL-21 also facilitates the development of these cells. IL-21–producing TF.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2155-9899.S9-002