IL-21及其受体在自身免疫性疾病中的作用

Roles of interleukin-21 and its receptor in autoimmune diseases

摘要:

白细胞介素21(IL-21)是IL-2家族中的新成员,主要由活化的CD4⁺T细胞和自然杀伤(NKT)细胞合成和分泌。白细胞介素21受体(IL-21R)主要表达在T、B及NK细胞上。IL-21与其受体结合后主要通过激活JAKs-STATs信号通路,调节T、B及NK细胞的活化和增殖发挥生物学功能。作为新型的免疫调节因子,IL-21及其受体在多种自身免疫性疾病的发生发展中扮演着重要的角色,调节IL-21和IL-21R的表达水平或应用阻断剂阻断它们的信号传导通路可作为自身免疫性疾病新的治疗方法。

Abstract:

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a new member of the interleukin-2 family. It is mainly synthesized and secreted by the activated of CD4⁺ T cells and natural killer T cells. IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) is mainly expressed in T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. After binding to its receptor, IL-21 can regulate the activation and proliferation of T cells, B cells, and NK cells through activating JAKs-STATs signaling pathways. As a new immunoregulatory factor, IL-21 and its receptor play important roles in the development and progression of various autoimmune diseases. Regulation of the expression levels of IL-21 and IL-21R and blocking of their signal transduction pathways with blockers may be new treatment options for autoimmune diseases.