Interleukin 21

Interleukin 21 (IL-21) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IL21 gene. IL-21 is a cytokine that has potent regulatory effects on cells of the immune system, including natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells that can destroy virally infected or cancerous cells.

Function

IL-21 is a cytokine that has potent regulatory effects on cells of the immune system, including natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells that can destroy virally infected or cancerous cells. This cytokine induces the interferon production to defend against the viral infection. It also acts synergistically with IL-15 and IL-7 to stimulate the proliferation of NK cells and CD8 cells, and enhances the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of these cells.

Clinical significance

IL-21 has therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infective diseases. It has been shown to have anti-tumor activity in animal models, and may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of human cancers. In addition, IL-21 has been shown to enhance the anti-tumor activity of NK cells and CD8 cells, suggesting that it may be useful in immunotherapies for cancer.

External links

• IL21 Gene at NCBI
• IL21 Protein at UniProt