Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) & Interleukin-21 (IL-21)

Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a T-cell derived cytokine, is overproduced in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), but its role in the pathogenesis of gut inflammation remains unknown.
Fina et al. 2008 Gastroenterology 134: 1038–48

High Interleukin-21 (IL-21) was seen in wild-type mice with dextran sulfate sodium- and trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-relapsing colitis. IL-21-deficient mice were largely protected against both colitides and were unable to up-regulate Th17-associated molecules during gut inflammation, thus suggesting a role for IL-21 in controlling [CD4+ Th17 cells](brain://4YXHo2IIfUadDp_0PxGd9…