Aim The aim of this case-control study was to investigate association of G/T IL-21 (rs2055979) and C/T IL-21R (rs3093390) gene polymorphisms with chronic hepatitis C virus in Iranian Patients. Background Interleukin 21 (IL-21) has a significant function in the regulation of cellular immune responses. Its exclusive receptor, IL-21R, expressed on the surface of T, B and NK cells and is importan...

BACKGROUND The abnormality of interleukin-21 (IL-21)-IL-21-receptor (IL-21R) system has been found in many autoimmune diseases including autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs). In this study, we investigated whether polymorphisms of the IL-21 and IL-21R are associated with Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), two major forms of AITDs, among a Chinese population. METHODS Rs90771...

BACKGROUND The immunopathologic mechanism underlying dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) remains poorly understood. Many cytokines play a pathogenic role in DM and PM. Interleukin 21 (IL-21) has a pleiotropic effect on inflammation regulation. This study aimed to detect the serum IL-21 level and investigate the expression of IL-21 and IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) in muscle tissues of patients...

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of our study was to assess serum levels of IL-21 in patients with recent-onset RA in relation to disease activity and response to treatment. We analyzed serum levels of IL-21 in 51 RA patients, both before and 12 weeks after the initiation of treatment and in 36 healthy individuals. Disease ...

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) has been described as a potent stimulator of antitumor T-cell immunity, but also of autoimmune reactions and oncogenesis. Antigen presenting cells genetically modified to release IL-21 allow for the expansion of tumor-specific T cells exhibiting favorable effector and growth characteristics and a minimal risk of detrimental side effects.

Abstract Background Macrophages and inflammatory cytokines play important roles in bone fracture healing. However, the expression patterns of macrophages during healing under condition postmenopausal osteoporosis have not been fully revealed. Methods Tibia transverse was established 12 weeks after ovariectomy or sham operation 16-week old female mice. Tibias were harvested before 1, 3, 5, 7, 14...

Anti-viral CD4(+) T cells are required to orchestrate and sustain the activities of the adaptive immune system during a persistent viral infection. Three recent studies suggest that CD4(+) T cells accomplish this in part through the release of IL-21.