Expression and regulation of IL-22 in the IL-17-producing CD4+ T lymphocytes

Cell Res. 2006 Nov;16(11):902-7. doi: 10.1038/sj.cr.7310106.

Abstract

IL-22 is a novel cytokine in the IL-10 family that functions to promote innate immunity of tissues against infection. Although CD4+ helper T lymphocytes (TH) were found as a source of IL-22, the regulation of this cytokine has been poorly understood. Here, we show that IL-22 is expressed at both mRNA and protein levels by a novel subset of TH cells that also makes IL-17. IL-22 and IL-17 were found to be coordinately regulated by TGFbeta and IL-6 during TH differentiation by real-time PCR as well as ELISA analysis. However, IL-22 does not regulate TH differentiation; exogenous IL-22 or an IL-22 antagonist had no effect on TH differentiation. These data demonstrate a novel cytokine expressed by IL-17-producing T cells, and suggest interaction and synergy of IL-22 and IL-17 signaling pathways in tissue inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Interleukin-17 / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-17 / physiology
  • Interleukin-22
  • Interleukins / genetics*
  • Interleukins / metabolism
  • Interleukins / physiology
  • Mice
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukins
  • RNA, Messenger