Role of IL-21 signaling pathway in transplant-related biology

Since pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-21 and its receptor (IL-21R) are closely involved in regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses, it is conceivable that they may play important roles in the field of organ transplantation. IL-21/IL21-R regulates immune activities of CD8+T cells, Tfh cells, Th17 cells, B cells, NK cells, dendritic cells and stimulates dendritic cells to produce high level of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and CCL2. However, their roles and underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Our present study is the first describing role of IL-21 signaling pathway in transplant biology.

Source: Transplantation Reviews - July 3, 2015 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Xiaoyu Shi, Risheng Que, Baochun Liu, Mingming Li, Jinzhen Cai, Dawei Shou, Liang Wen, Dahai Liu, Li Chen, Tingbo Liang, Weihua Gong Source Type: research