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Interleukin 21 Is a T Helper (Th) Cell 2 Cytokine that Specifically Inhibits the Differentiation of Naive Th Cells into Interferon γ–producing Th1 Cells

Authors :
Vikki L. Rodgers
Andrea L. Wurster
Michael J. Grusby
Abhay R. Satoskar
Mary Collins
Matthew J. Whitters
Deborah A. Young
Source :
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
Publication Year :
2002
Publisher :
Rockefeller University Press, 2002.

Abstract

The cytokine potential of developing T helper (Th) cells is directly shaped both positively and negatively by the cytokines expressed by the effector Th cell subsets. Here we find that the recently identified cytokine, interleukin (IL)-21, is preferentially expressed by Th2 cells when compared with Th1 cells generated in vitro and in vivo. Exposure of naive Th precursors to IL-21 inhibits interferon (IFN)-γ production from developing Th1 cells. The repression of IFN-γ production is specific in that the expression of other Th1 and Th2 cytokines is unaffected. IL-21 decreases the IL-12 responsiveness of developing Th cells by specifically reducing both signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 protein and mRNA expression. These results suggest that Th2 cell-derived IL-21 regulates the development of IFN-γ–producing Th1 cells which could serve to amplify a Th2 response.

Details

ISSN :
15409538 and 00221007
Volume :
196
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Experimental Medicine
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....59b443e03575220fb74c141b4d717b91
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20020620