The role of IL-21 in immunity and cancer

Cancer Lett. 2015 Mar 28;358(2):107-114. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.12.047. Epub 2015 Jan 6.

Abstract

Interleukin-21 (IL-21), produced predominantly by CD4+ T cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells, is a newly discovered member of the common γ-chain family of cytokines. It has been implicated in many immunological processes and has been linked to autoimmune diseases, allergies and other inflammatory diseases. In recent years, the role for IL-21 in the pathogenesis of cancer has also been extensively studied. In this review, we will discuss recent advances concerning the role of IL-21 in immunological processes and the pathogenesis of cancer.

Keywords: Cancer; IL-21; Immune response.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation
  • Apoptosis
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Communication
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Gene Expression
  • Germinal Center / immunology
  • Germinal Center / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunity*
  • Immunologic Memory
  • Immunotherapy
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Plasma Cells / cytology
  • Plasma Cells / immunology
  • Plasma Cells / metabolism
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / metabolism
  • Radiotherapy
  • Receptors, Interleukin-21 / genetics
  • Receptors, Interleukin-21 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukins
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
  • Receptors, Interleukin-21
  • interleukin-21