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IL-21 Limits NK Cell Responses and Promotes Antigen-Specific T Cell Activation A Mediator of the Transition from Innate to Adaptive Immunity
- Source :
- Immunity. (4):559-569
- Publisher :
- Cell Press.
-
Abstract
- IFNα/β, IL-12, and IL-15 regulate NK cell activation and expansion, but signals triggering resolution of the NK response upon induction of adaptive immunity remain to be defined. We now report that IL-21, a product of activated T cells, may serve this function. Mice lacking IL-21R (IL-21R−/−) had normal NK cell development but no detectable responses to IL-21. IL-21 enhanced cytotoxic activity and IFNγ production by activated murine NK cells but did not support their viability, thus limiting their duration of activation. Furthermore, IL-21 blocked IL-15-induced expansion of resting NK cells, thus preventing the initiation of further innate responses. In contrast, IL-21 enhanced the proliferation, IFNγ production, and cytotoxic function of CD8+ effector T cells in an allogeneic MLR. These observations suggest that IL-21 promotes the transition between innate and adaptive immunity.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10747613
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Immunity
- Accession number :
- edsair.core.ac.uk....43737953472925c4d604d0fd23c2e4c8
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/S1074-7613(02)00295-9