A novel role for IL-27 in mediating the survival of activated mouse CD4 T lymphocytes.

ABSTRACT: IL-27, an IL-12 family cytokine, has pleiotropic functions in the differentiation and expansion of CD4(+) T cell subsets. In this study, we discovered a novel function of IL-27. CD4(+)CD45RB(high) T cells from mice deficient for the α-chain of IL-27 receptor failed to induce colitis in Rag(-/-) recipients, because of an inability of activated donor cells to survive. Interestingly, IL-27 was indispensable for the prevention of colitis by regulatory T cells, also because of a defect in long-term cell survival. IL-27 affected the survival of activated T lymphocytes, rather than promoting cell proliferation, by inhibiting Fas-mediated activation-induced T cell death, acting through the STAT3 signaling pathway. The addition of IL-27 during activation resulted in an increased cell number, which

SUBMITTER: Kim G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4060896 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature