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Interleukin-21: a multifunctional regulator of immunity to infections

2010; Elsevier BV; Volume: 12; Issue: 14-15 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.micinf.2010.08.008

1769-714X

John S. Yi, Maureen A. Cox, Allan Zajac,

Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine that has broad effects on both innate and adaptive immune responses. The roles of IL-21 in determining immunity to infections are currently being defined, and notably, it has been shown that IL-21 is most critical for sustaining T cell responses during chronic viral infections. This article discusses our current understanding of the immunobiology of IL-21, as well as its known and potential roles in influencing immunity to infections.