Interleukin 22

Interleukin 22 (IL-22) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IL22 gene. It is a member of a group of molecules known as cytokines, which are important in the immune response. IL-22 is produced by several types of cells, including T cells and natural killer cells, and has various effects on the cells that it targets.

Function

IL-22 is a member of the IL-10 family of regulatory cytokines which includes IL-10, IL-19, IL-20, IL-24, IL-26, IL-28, and IL-29. Members of this family share partial homology in their amino acid sequences, but they are dissimilar in their biological functions. Produced by T lymphocytes, IL-22 inhibits antigen presentation by dendritic cells. Two types of IL-22 binding receptor have been discovered, both of which are members of the class II cytokine receptor (CRF2) family: IL-22Ra1 and IL-22Ra2.

Clinical significance

IL-22 has been shown to be involved in several types of autoimmune disease, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. It is also implicated in the immune response to tuberculosis. IL-22 may be a potential therapeutic target in these diseases.

References

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External links

• IL22 gene at NCBI
• IL22 protein at UniProt

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