IL21
GeneName
IL21
Summary
IL21, also known as IL-1RA or NMDAR1, is a 19 kDa cytokine primarily secreted into the extracellular region and space. It plays a vital role in the immune system by promoting the differentiation and proliferation of various immune cells, particularly B cells and natural killer (NK) cells. IL21 is involved in several biological processes, including germinal centre B cell differentiation, T follicular helper cell differentiation, and the positive regulation of cytokine and immunoglobulin production. Its activity is mediated through binding to specific receptors, including the interleukin-2 receptor, facilitating signal transduction pathways that enhance immune responses, particularly during viral infections.
Importance
IL21 is relevant to: - Enhancing understanding of B cell and T cell dynamics in immune responses, particularly in the context of infections. - Investigating its role in autoimmune diseases, where dysregulation of cytokine production can lead to pathology. - Developing therapeutic strategies targeting IL21 pathways to modulate immune responses in cancer immunotherapy. - Exploring its potential in vaccine development by promoting effective humoral and cellular immunity.
Top Products
For researchers investigating IL21, we recommend two primary antibodies that cater to different experimental needs. The first is the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-IL-21 antibody (ab5978), which has garnered 11 citations, reflecting its reliability in the field. This antibody is suitable for a variety of applications, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB), and immunocytochemistry (ICC), making it a versatile choice for your research.Additionally, we offer the recombinant monoclonal antibody, Anti-IL-21 antibody [EPR4907] (ab178694). While it has not yet accumulated citations, it is validated for use in western blotting (WB) and provides the batch-to-batch consistency that researchers often seek in recombinant products. Together, these antibodies provide robust options for studying IL21 effectively. The Anti-IL-21 antibody ELISA Kit (ab118510) is a reliable option for researchers looking to measure IL-21 levels in their samples.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that the Abcam antibody ab119542 is utilised to study IL21 concentrations specifically in Treg cells, highlighting its relevance in understanding cytokine expression relationships in humans.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Function
Cytokine with immunoregulatory activity. May promote the transition between innate and adaptive immunity. Induces the production of IgG(1) and IgG(3) in B-cells (By similarity). Implicated in the generation and maintenance of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and the formation of germinal-centers. Together with IL6, control the early generation of Tfh cells and are critical for an effective antibody response to acute viral infection (By similarity). May play a role in proliferation and maturation of natural killer (NK) cells in synergy with IL15. May regulate proliferation of mature B- and T-cells in response to activating stimuli. In synergy with IL15 and IL18 stimulates interferon gamma production in T-cells and NK cells (PubMed:11081504, PubMed:15178704). During T-cell mediated immune response may inhibit dendritic cells (DC) activation and maturation (By similarity).
Involvement in disease
Immunodeficiency, common variable, 11
CVID11
A primary immunodeficiency characterized by antibody deficiency, hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent bacterial infections and an inability to mount an antibody response to antigen. The defect results from a failure of B-cell differentiation and impaired secretion of immunoglobulins; the numbers of circulating B-cells is usually in the normal range, but can be low.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the IL-15/IL-21 family.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in activated CD4-positive T-cells but not in CD8-positive T-cells, B-cells, or monocytes.
Cellular localization
- Secreted
Alternative names
Interleukin-21, IL-21, Za11, IL21
Database links
swissprot:Q9HBE4 omim:605384 entrezGene:59067
Other research areas
- Immuno-oncology