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IL-22: A critical mediator in mucosal host defense

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Abstract

IL-22 is an IL-10 family cytokine member that was recently discovered to be produced by Th17 cells. Current studies have revealed that IL-22 targets cells of the digestive, skin, and respiratory organ systems and plays an important role in mucosal immunity. The IL-22 receptor (IL-22R) is expressed exclusively in these tissues, thereby allowing the cytokine to mediate epithelial innate immunity in response to a variety of pathogens. Although recent studies have shown the importance of IL-22 in host defense against Gram-negative bacterial organisms (in gut and lung), there is evidence that IL-22 also plays a role in autoimmune disease, such as psoriasis. IL-22 therefore, not unlike other cytokines, has complex pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and autoimmune effects which continue to be under further investigation. This review will focus on what is known about IL-22 and its function in mucosal host defense.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    S. J. Aujla & J. K. Kolls

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  1. S. J. Aujla
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  2. J. K. Kolls
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Correspondence to S. J. Aujla.

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Aujla, S.J., Kolls, J.K. IL-22: A critical mediator in mucosal host defense. J Mol Med 87, 451–454 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-009-0448-1

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