Target Name: IL21
NCBI ID: G59067
Other Name(s): CVID11 | Za11 | IL21 variant 1 | Interleukin 21 | IL21_HUMAN | IL-21 | Interleukin 21, transcript variant 1 | Interleukin-21 (isoform 1) | Interleukin-21 | interleukin 21

IL21: Cytokine Regulation of Immune Functions and Inflammation

IL21 (Interleukin-21) is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation. It is a member of the IL-21 family of cytokines, which include IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, and IL-5. These cytokines are involved in the recruitment and activation of immune cells, as well as the regulation of cellular processes such as cell growth, apoptosis, and cytokine signaling.

IL21 is a 21-kDa protein that is expressed in a variety of tissues, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It is involved in the regulation of immune cell function, including the development and activation of natural killer cells, T cells, and B cells. It also plays a role in the regulation of inflammation, including the regulation of pain and inflammation following injury or inflammation.

One of the key functions of IL21 is its ability to recruit and activate immune cells. IL21 is able to bind to several different cell types, including natural killer cells, T cells, and B cells. When it binds to these cells, it can induce them to undergo signaling processes that result in the production of cytokines and chemokines. These cytokines and chemokines can then recruit additional immune cells to the site of the infection or injury, where they can help to eliminate the offending agent or promote the healing process.

IL21 is also involved in the regulation of cellular processes that are important for immune cell function, including cell growth, apoptosis, and cytokine signaling. It can induce natural killer cells to undergo apoptosis, which is a process by which cells undergo programmed cell death. This is important for ensuring that infected or damaged cells are eliminated from the body, and can help to prevent the formation of cancerous tumors. IL21 can also regulate the production of cytokines by immune cells, which are important for the regulation of inflammation and immune responses.

In addition to its role in immune cell regulation, IL21 is also involved in the regulation of inflammation. It can stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6. These cytokines can help to recruit immune cells to the site of an infection or injury, where they can help to eliminate the offending agent or promote the healing process. However, IL21 can also help to regulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10.

IL21 is also involved in the regulation of cellular processes that are important for tissue repair and regeneration. It can stimulate the production of growth factors, such asGF-3, which can help to promote tissue repair and regeneration following injury or inflammation. IL21 can also play a role in the regulation of cell apoptosis, which is the process by which cells undergo programmed cell death. This is important for ensuring that damaged cells are eliminated from the body, and can help to prevent the formation of cancerous tumors.

In conclusion, IL21 is a crucial cytokine that plays a critical role in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation. It is involved in the recruitment and activation of immune cells, as well as the regulation of cellular processes such as cell growth, apoptosis, and cytokine signaling. As a drug target or biomarker, IL21 may be useful for the treatment of a variety of conditions that involve immune system dysfunction or inflammation, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, and inflammatory disorders.

Protein Name: Interleukin 21

Functions: Cytokine with immunoregulatory activity. May promote the transition between innate and adaptive immunity. Induces the production of IgG(1) and IgG(3) in B-cells (By similarity). Implicated in the generation and maintenance of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and the formation of germinal-centers. Together with IL6, control the early generation of Tfh cells and are critical for an effective antibody response to acute viral infection (By similarity). May play a role in proliferation and maturation of natural killer (NK) cells in synergy with IL15. May regulate proliferation of mature B- and T-cells in response to activating stimuli. In synergy with IL15 and IL18 stimulates interferon gamma production in T-cells and NK cells (PubMed:11081504, PubMed:15178704). During T-cell mediated immune response may inhibit dendritic cells (DC) activation and maturation (By similarity)

More Common Targets

IL21-AS1 | IL21R | IL21R-AS1 | IL22 | IL22RA1 | IL22RA2 | IL23A | IL23R | IL24 | IL25 | IL26 | IL27 | IL27RA | IL2RA | IL2RB | IL2RG | IL3 | IL31 | IL31RA | IL32 | IL33 | IL34 | IL36A | IL36B | IL36G | IL36RN | IL37 | IL3RA | IL4 | IL4I1 | IL4R | IL5 | IL5RA | IL6 | IL6-AS1 | IL6R | IL6R-AS1 | IL6ST | IL6ST-DT | IL6STP1 | IL7 | IL7R | IL9 | IL9R | IL9RP3 | IL9RP4 | ILDR1 | ILDR2 | ILF2 | ILF3 | ILF3-DT | ILK | ILKAP | ILRUN | ILVBL | Imidazoline I2 receptor (I2) | Imidazoline I3 receptor (I3) | Imidazoline receptor | IMMP1L | IMMP2L | IMMT | IMMTP1 | Immunoglobulin A | Immunoglobulin E (IgE) | Immunoglobulin G | Immunoglobulin M | Immunoglobulin-Like Domain Containing Receptor | Immunoproteasome | IMP3 | IMP4 | IMPA1 | IMPA1P1 | IMPA2 | IMPACT | IMPDH1 | IMPDH1P10 | IMPDH1P6 | IMPDH2 | IMPG1 | IMPG2 | INA | INAFM1 | INAFM2 | INAVA | INCA1 | INCENP | INE1 | INE2 | INF2 | ING1 | ING2 | ING2-DT | ING3 | ING4 | ING5 | INGX | INHA | INHBA | INHBA-AS1 | INHBB