IL-21 signaling is essential for optimal host resistance against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

ABSTRACT: IL-21 is produced predominantly by activated CD4⁺ T cells and has pleiotropic effects on immunity via the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R), a member of the common gamma chain (γ_c) cytokine receptor family. We show that IL-21 signaling plays a crucial role in T cell responses during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by augmenting CD8⁺ T cell priming, promoting T cell accumulation in the lungs, and enhancing T cell cytokine production. In the absence of IL-21 signaling, more CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in chronically infected mice express the T cell inhibitory molecules PD-1 and TIM-3. We correlate these immune alterations with increased susceptibility of IL-21R^-/- mice, which have increased lung bacterial burden and earlier mortality com

SUBMITTER: Booty MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5098191 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature