IL-21
IL-21 (interleukin 21, Za11) is a secreted cytokine of the common-gamma chain family with immunoregulatory activity. It acts on B cells, T cells, natural killer cells and macrophages, and may help bridge innate and adaptive immunity. Browse Assay Genie's current range of IL-21 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
IL-21 is a cytokine with immunoregulatory activity that may promote the transition between innate and adaptive immunity. It induces the production of IgG(1) and IgG(3) in B cells and is implicated in the generation and maintenance of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and in the formation of germinal centres. Together with IL-6, it controls the early generation of Tfh cells, which are critical for an effective antibody response to acute viral infection.
IL-21 also acts on other lymphocytes. It may regulate the proliferation of mature B and T cells in response to activating stimuli, and may contribute to the proliferation and maturation of natural killer (NK) cells in synergy with IL-15. In synergy with IL-15 and IL-18, it stimulates interferon gamma production in T cells and NK cells. During a T-cell mediated immune response it may inhibit the activation and maturation of dendritic cells. More broadly, it induces the differentiation, proliferation and activity of target cells including macrophages, NK cells, B cells and cytotoxic T cells.
The IL21 gene encodes a member of the common-gamma chain family of cytokines, and the protein belongs to the IL-15/IL-21 family within the HGNC interleukin 2 family group. The protein is secreted. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed. Dysregulation of the gene has been linked to immune-mediated diseases including lupus, psoriasis and chronic inflammatory diseases, which makes IL-21 a frequent subject of immunology research. Mouse and rat orthologs are both designated Il21.
IL-21 induces IgG(1) and IgG(3) production in B cells and supports germinal-centre formation, making it central to antibody response studies.
IL-21 is implicated in generating and maintaining Tfh cells and, with IL-6, controls their early generation during acute viral infection.
With IL-15 and IL-18, IL-21 stimulates interferon gamma production in T cells and NK cells, and may support NK-cell maturation.
Dysregulation of IL21 is associated with lupus, psoriasis and chronic inflammatory diseases, motivating study of its role in immune-mediated pathology.
IL-21 is a secreted cytokine with immunoregulatory activity. It induces IgG(1) and IgG(3) production in B cells, supports Tfh cells and germinal-centre formation, and acts with IL-15 and IL-18 to stimulate interferon gamma in T cells and NK cells. It may also inhibit dendritic cell activation.
The HGNC symbol is IL21, the full name is interleukin 21, and Za11 is a listed alias. NCBI Gene reports that alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed. UniProt places the protein in the IL-15/IL-21 family.
NCBI Gene states that dysregulation of IL21 plays a role in immune-mediated diseases including lupus, psoriasis and chronic inflammatory diseases. Orthologs exist in mouse and rat, both named Il21. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other interleukins, including IL-15 and IL-2 family cytokines, and partners in lymphocyte and NK-cell signalling.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9HBE4; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.