Involvement of ERK-1/2 in IL-21-induced cytokine production in leukemia cells and human monocytes

Cytokines play an important role in the immune system, and abnormalities in their production have been found in many human diseases. Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a type I cytokine produced by activated T cells, has diverse effects on the immune system, but its ability to induce production of other cytokines is not well delineated. Furthermore, the signaling pathway underlying its action is poorly understood. Here, we have evaluated IL-21-induced cytokine production in human monocytes and U937 leukemia cells. We found that IL-21 induces upregulation of a variety of cytokines from multiple cytokine families. We also found that IL-21 triggers rapid activation of ERK1/2. Neutralizing antibody to the IL-21R prevented both IL-21-induced cytokine production and IL-21-induced activation of ERK1/2. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activity by the ERK-selective inhibitor U0126 reverses the ability of IL-21 to upregulate cytokine production, suggesting that IL-21-induced cytokine production is dependent on ERK1/2 activation.     

Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of an IL-21 homologue from Tetraodon nigroviridis

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is an important immune cytokine that was well characterized in human and mammals, but little is known in fish. In present study, an IL-21 homologue was cloned and well characterized from Tetraodon nigroviridis. The full-length Tetraodon IL-21 cDNA was 849bp in size, containing an open reading frame (ORF) of 438bp that translated a 145 amino-acid peptide, a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 69bp, and a 3' UTR of 342bp. The deduced peptide shared identity of 20-49% with other known IL-21 sequences. The Tetraodon IL-21 gene had six exons while both human and Takifugu IL-21 gene contained only five exons. However, the level of synteny between human, Takifugu and Tetraodon genomes was well conserved during evolution. In vivo expression study showed that Tetraodon IL-21 mRNAs were constitutively expressed at a low level and only in limited tissues, including gut, gill and gonad in healthy fish, and stimulation with LPS increased the expression of IL-21 in these tissues and induced the expression of IL-21 in kidney, spleen and skin, indicating that IL-21 is an inflammatory stress inducible gene associated with the anti-bacterial defense in fish. Our study provided further evidence for the existence of IL-21 in fish, and gained further insight into the immunological functions of IL-21 gene in fish.     

Interleukin-21 Receptor Signalling Is Important for Innate Immune Protection against HSV-2 Infections

Interleukin (IL) -21 is produced by Natural Killer T (NKT) cells and CD4⁺ T cells and is produced in response to virus infections, where IL-21 has been shown to be essential in adaptive immune responses. Cells from the innate immune system such as Natural Killer (NK) cells and macrophages are also important in immune protection against virus. These cells express the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) and respond to IL-21 with increased cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Currently, however it is not known whether IL-21 plays a significant role in innate immune responses to virus infections. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of IL-21 and IL-21R in the innate immune response to a virus infection. We used C57BL/6 wild type (WT) and IL-21R knock out (KO) mice in a murine vaginal Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection model to show that IL-21 – IL-21R signalling is indeed important in innate immune responses against HSV-2. We found that the IL-21R was expressed in the vaginal epithelium in uninfected (u.i) WT mice, and expression increased early after HSV-2 infection. IL-21R KO mice exhibited increased vaginal viral titers on day 2 and 3 post infection (p.i.) and subsequently developed significantly higher disease scores and a lower survival rate compared to WT mice. In addition, WT mice infected with HSV-2 receiving intra-vaginal pre-treatment with murine recombinant IL-21 (mIL-21) had decreased vaginal viral titers on day 2 p.i., significantly lower disease scores, and a higher survival rate compared to infected untreated WT controls. Collectively our data demonstrate the novel finding that the IL-21R plays a critical role in regulating innate immune responses against HSV-2 infection.     

IL-21 influences the frequency, phenotype, and affinity of the antigen-specific CD8 T cell response

IL-21, a newly described cytokine belonging to the IL-2 gamma-chain receptor cytokine family (that includes IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15), has been described as an important regulator of the cellular immune response. In this study, the role of IL-21 in the generation of a human Ag-specific CD8+ T cell response is characterized by tracking a rare, but measurable population of self-Ag-specific T cells in vitro. Autologous dendritic cells pulsed with the melanoma antigen recognized T cells 1 self-peptide were used to stimulate CD8+ T cells from HLA-A2+ healthy donors and melanoma patients. We demonstrate that exposure to IL-21 increased the total number of MART-1-specific CD8+ T cells that could be elicited by >20-fold and, at the clonal level, enriched for a population of high-affinity CD8+ T cells with a peptide dose requirement more than 1 log(10)-fold less than their untreated counterparts. Phenotypic analysis of T cells from IL-21-treated cultures revealed a unique population of CD45RO+ CD28(high) CD8+ T cells, a phenotype that was stable for at least 4 wk after IL-21 exposure. These CD28(high) CD8+ T cells produced IL-2 upon Ag stimulation and represent potential helper-independent CTLs. Our studies demonstrate a significant role for IL-21 in the primary Ag-specific human CTL response and support the use of IL-21 in the ex vivo generation of potent Ag-specific CTLs for adoptive therapy or as an adjuvant cytokine during in vivo immunization against tumor Ags.     

A clinical trial of IL-15 and IL-21 combination therapy for COVID-19 is warranted

Previous studies of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection suggest that both the humoral and cytotoxic arms of the immune system are weak in patients with severe COVID-19 disease when compared to mild disease. A cytokine storm is also induced in severe disease. IL-15 has been shown to support the cytotoxic arm of the immune response. IL-21 has been shown to support both the cytotoxic and humoral arms of the immune response. In addition, in some settings, Il-21 has been shown to actually decrease IL-6 and TNF-alpha production, reducing the inflammatory proteins involved in the cytokine storm. Furthermore, in other settings, the combination of IL-15 and IL-21 has been shown to be more effective than either interleukin alone in promoting an effective immune response. Therefore, a clinical trial that examines the use of the combination of IL-15 and IL-21 for COVID-19 patients is warranted.     

白细胞介素21的生物学功能及其抗肿瘤效应

白细胞介素21（IL-21）属于I类细胞因子,主要由活化的CD4＋T产生,作用于免疫系统中的大部分骨髓、淋巴细胞,具有广泛的生物学功能,是联系主动免疫与被动免疫的中间因子。IL-21能够调节体液和细胞介导的免疫应答,促进T细胞增殖分化,调节B细胞的增殖分化与调亡,增强NK细胞的细胞毒性作用与免疫监督功能。此外,IL-21还具有抗肿瘤作用,与其他细胞因子、疫苗等联合应用,可增强其抑制肿瘤细胞生长的功能。该文综述了IL-21的生物功能及其应用于抗肿瘤治疗的研究前景。     

IL-21 activates both innate and adaptive immunity to generate potent antitumor responses that require perforin but are independent of IFN-gamma

IL-21 is a key factor in the transition between innate and adaptive immune responses. We have used the cytokine gene therapy approach to study the antitumor responses mediated by IL-21 in the B16F1 melanoma and MethA fibrosarcoma tumor models in mice. Retrovirally transduced tumor cells secreting biologically functional IL-21 have growth patterns in vitro similar to that of control green fluorescent protein-transduced cells, but are completely rejected in vivo. We show that IL-21 activates NK and CD8(+) T cells in vivo, thus mediating complete rejection of poorly immunogenic tumors. Rejection of IL-21-secreting tumors requires the presence of cognate IL-21R and does not depend on CD4(+) T cell help. Interestingly, perforin, but not IFN-gamma or other major Th1 and Th2 cytokines (IL-12, IL-4, or IL-10), is required for the IL-21-mediated antitumor response. Moreover, IL-21 results in 50% protection and 70% cure of nonimmunogenic tumors when given before and after tumor challenge, respectively, in C57BL/6 mice. We conclude that IL-21 immunotherapy warrants clinical evaluation as a potential treatment for cancer.     

IL-21 in synergy with IL-15 or IL-18 enhances IFN-gamma production in human NK and T cells

NK and T cell-derived IFN-gamma is a key cytokine that stimulates innate immune responses and directs adaptive T cell response toward Th1 type. IL-15, IL-18, and IL-21 have significant roles as activators of NK and T cell functions. We have previously shown that IL-15 and IL-21 induce the expression of IFN-gamma, T-bet, IL-12R beta 2, and IL-18R genes both in NK and T cells. Now we have studied the effect of IL-15, IL-18, and IL-21 on IFN-gamma gene expression in more detail in human NK and T cells. IL-15 clearly activated IFN-gamma mRNA expression and protein production in both cell types. IL-18 and IL-21 enhanced IL-15-induced IFN-gamma gene expression. IL-18 or IL-21 alone induced a modest expression of the IFN-gamma gene but a combination of IL-21 and IL-18 efficiently up-regulated IFN-gamma production. We also show that IL-15 activated the binding of STAT1, STAT3, STAT4, and STAT5 to the regulatory sites of the IFN-gamma gene. Similarly, IL-21 induced the binding of STAT1, STAT3, and STAT4 to these elements. IL-15- and IL-21-induced STAT1 and STAT4 activation was verified by immunoprecipitation with anti-phosphotyrosine Abs followed by Western blotting with anti-STAT1 and anti-STAT4 Abs. IL-18 was not able to induce the binding of STATs to IFN-gamma gene regulatory sites. IL-18, however, activated the binding of NF-kappa B to the IFN-gamma promoter NF-kappa B site. Our results suggest that both IL-15 and IL-21 have an important role in activating the NK cell-associated innate immune response.     

IL-21 isoform is a membrane-bound ligand and activates directly interacted cells

IL-21 is a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates the function of T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, and myeloid cells. We previously identified an IL-21 isoform, IL-21iso, in humans and mice, and found that IL-21iso was secreted in much smaller amounts than conventional IL-21. In this study, we determined that secreted IL-21iso also has less signaling activity than IL-21. However, the amounts of intracellular IL-21 or IL-21iso, and the level of STAT3 phosphorylation induced by the two IL-21 forms, were similar. IL-21-sensitive reporter cells co-cultured with cells producing IL-21iso showed STAT3 activation, apoptosis, and proliferation. However, when IL-21iso-producing cells were cultured in a transwell chamber, which prevented direct contact with the IL-21-sensitive cells, no IL-21iso-induced signaling was observed. Though IL-21iso is secreted in smaller amounts and has less potent signaling activity than IL-21, IL-21iso acts both on IL-21iso-bearing cells and other IL-21-sensitive cells through direct interactions probably without being secreted. Thus, IL-21iso’s regulation of immune cells may be limited to the immediate proximity around the IL-21iso-producing cells, in regions such as immune organs or inflammation sites.     

Interleukin-21 mRNA expression during virus infections

Interleukin-21 is a cytokine with profound impact on the proliferation and differentiation of activated leukocytes of both the innate and adaptive immune system. In experiments in vitro, antigen activation induces IL-21 production in CD4+ T cells. Where, when, and how the proliferative and activational effects of IL-21 on different leukocytes come into play in vivo in an immune response has so far not been fully investigated. We show here for the first time in vivo, that IL-21 mRNA is produced in the spleen when mice are challenged with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) or lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). We show in HSV-2 challenged mice that this production takes place in CD4+ T cell fractions and is absent in CD4+ T cell-depleted fractions. We also show that the peak of IL-21 mRNA production in both the HSV-2 and LCMV-challenged mice coincides with the onset of the adaptive immune response. Thus, our data suggest a role for IL-21 in the early stages of adaptive immune response against virus infections.     

Tick saliva regulates migration, phagocytosis, and gene expression in the macrophage-like cell line, IC-21

We studied the effects of tick saliva on cell migration, cell signaling, phagocytosis, and gene expression in the murine macrophage cell line, IC-21. Saliva increased both basal- and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated migration in IC-21 cells. However, saliva did not affect PDGF-stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity. Zymosan-mediated interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase (IRAK) activity increased when cells were pretreated with saliva. Saliva suppressed phagocytosis of zymosan particles by IC-21 cells. An RT² Profiler™ PCR Array revealed that saliva regulates gene expression in a manner consistent with an immune response skewed toward a Th2 reaction, which is characterized by production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. Our results using IC-21 cells suggest that Dermacentor variabilis has evolved a mechanism for regulating macrophage function, which may contribute to the tick’s ability to modulate immune function.     

Functional characterization of a nonmammalian IL-21: rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss IL-21 upregulates the expression of the Th cell signature cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-10, and IL-22

In mammals, IL-21 is a common γ chain cytokine produced by activated CD4(+) T cells and NKT cells that acts on multiple lineages of cells. Although IL-21 has also been discovered in birds, amphibians, and fish, to date, no functional studies have been reported for any nonmammalian IL-21 molecule. We have sequenced an IL-21 gene (tIL-21) in rainbow trout, which has a six-exon/five-intron structure, is expressed in immune tissues, and is induced by bacterial and viral infection and the T cell stimulant PHA. In contrast to mammals, calcium ionophore and PMA act synergistically to induce tIL-21. Recombinant tIL-21 (rtIL-21) induced a rapid and long-lasting (4-72 h) induction of expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-22, signature cytokines for Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-type responses, respectively, in head kidney leukocytes. However, rtIL-21 had little effects on the expression of other cytokines studied. rtIL-21 maintained the expression of CD8α, CD8β, and IgM at a late stage of stimulation when their expression was significantly decreased in controls and increased the expression of the Th cell markers CD4, T-bet, and GATA3. Intraperitoneal injection of rtIL-21 confirmed the in vitro bioactivity and increased the expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-21, IL-22, CD8, and IgM. Inhibition experiments revealed that the activation of JAK/STAT3, Akt1/2, and PI3K pathways were responsible for rtIL-21 action. This study helps to clarify the role of IL-21 in lower vertebrates for the first time, to our knowledge, and suggests IL-21 is a likely key regulator of T and B cell function in fish.     

免疫平衡的重要调节者白细胞介素-21

白细胞介素-21（IL-21）是γc家族的一个新成员,主要由活化的CD4＋ T细胞产生,对多种表达IL-21受体（IL-21R）的细胞如T细胞、B细胞、NK细胞及DC细胞等均有作用。近年发现IL-21与Th细胞系中新发现的分支Th17细胞的发生密切相关,在调节CD4＋ T细胞究竟是分化为Th17细胞还是CD4＋CD25＋Foxp3＋ Treg细胞中有＂开关＂作用,从而对免疫系统发挥重要的调节作用,在自身免疫性疾病和抗肿瘤免疫中扮演着重要的角色。简要综述了IL-21与Th17细胞、CD4＋CD25＋Foxp3＋ Treg细胞之间的关系及对免疫平衡的调节作用。     

Immune Activation Is Associated with CD8 T Cell Interleukin-21 Production in HIV-1-Infected Individuals

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) can be produced by CD8 T cells from HIV-1-infected individuals and those with autoimmune disease, but the mechanism remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that IL-21-producing CD8 T cells are not associated with CD4 depletion and are absent in patients with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia. Instead, IL-21 production by CD8 T cells was associated with high levels of activation, suggesting that these cells emerge as a consequence of excessive chronic immune activation rather than CD4 lymphopenia.     

IL-21-induced isotype switching to IgG and IgA by human naive B cells is differentially regulated by IL-4

Naive B cells can alter the effector function of their Ig molecule by isotype switching, thereby allowing them to secrete not only IgM, but also the switched isotypes IgG, IgA, and IgE. Different isotypes are elicited in response to specific pathogens. Similarly, dysregulated production of switched isotypes underlies the development of various diseases, such as autoimmunity and immunodeficiency. Thus, it is important to characterize mediators controlling isotype switching, as well as their contribution to the overall B cell response. Isotype switching in human naive B cells can be induced by CD40L together with IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and/or TGF-beta. Recently, IL-21 was identified as a switch factor for IgG1 and IgG3. However, the effect of IL-21 on switching to IgA, as well as the interplay between IL-21 and other switch factors, remains unknown. We found that IL-4 and IL-21 individually induced CD40L-stimulated human naive B cells to undergo switching to IgG, with IL-4 predominantly inducing IgG1(+) cells and IL-21 inducing IgG3. Culture of naive B cells with CD40L and IL-21, but not IL-4, also yielded IgA(+) cells. Combining IL-4 and IL-21 had divergent effects on isotype switching. Specifically, while IL-4 and IL-21 synergistically increased the generation of IgG1(+) cells from CD40L-stimulated B cells, IL-4 concomitantly abolished IL-21-induced switching to IgA. Our findings demonstrate the dynamic interplay between IL-4 and IL-21 in regulating the production of IgG subclasses and IgA, and suggest temporal roles for these cytokines in humoral immune responses to specific pathogens.     

Interleukin-21: a multifunctional regulator of immunity to infections

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine that has broad effects on both innate and adaptive immune responses. The roles of IL-21 in determining immunity to infections are currently being defined, and notably, it has been shown that IL-21 is most critical for sustaining T cell responses during chronic viral infections. This article discusses our current understanding of the immunobiology of IL-21, as well as its known and potential roles in influencing immunity to infections.