Interleukin-21 signaling: Functions in cancer and autoimmunity

Ian D. Davis, Kresten Skak, Mark J. Smyth, Paul E.G. Kristjansen, Dennis M. Miller, Pallavur V. Sivakumar

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

76 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine with structural and sequence homology to IL-2 and IL-15, yet possesses several biological properties distinct from these cytokines. IL-21 is produced mainly by activated CD4 + T cells and natural killer T cells and mediates its activity by binding to the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R), consisting of an IL-21-specific α chain (IL-21Rα; JAK/STAT) that heterodimerizes with the common γ chain (CD132). Intracellular signaling occurs through the Janus-activated kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways. Physiologic expression of IL-21R is restricted to lymphoid tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells; however, other tissues such as epithelium, synovium, or transformed cells can acquire expression of both components of IL-21R heterodimer. IL-21 has complex activities on a wide variety of cell types, leading to enhancement of adaptive T-cell immunity, antibody production, activation of natural killer cell subtypes, and opposition to suppressive effects mediated by regulatory T cells. Functionally, these activities promote immune responses and point to a physiologic role of IL-21 in autoimmunity and immune enhancement. Therapeutic manipulation of IL-21 activity may allow improved immunotherapy for cancer as well as insights into autoimmune disease. Recently conducted phase 1 trials in metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma have shown that recombinant IL-21 has a favorable safety profile and support its continued investigation as a potential anticancer drug.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6926-6932
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Cancer Research
Volume13
Issue number23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2007

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