IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29: Promising cytokines with type I interferon-like properties
published online 26 July 2010. Corrected Proof
Abstract
IL-28A, IL-28B and IL-29 (also designated type III interferons) constitute a new subfamily within the IL-10–interferon family. They are produced by virtually any nucleated cell type, particularly dendritic cells, following viral infection or activation with bacterial components, and mediate their effects via the IL-28R1/IL-10R2 receptor complex. Although IL-28/IL-29 are closer to the IL-10-related cytokines in terms of gene structure, protein structure, and receptor usage, they display type I interferon-like anti-viral and cytostatic activities. Unlike type I interferons, the target cell populations of IL-28/IL-29 are restricted and mainly include epithelial cells and hepatocytes. These properties suggest that IL-28/IL-29 are potential therapeutic alternatives to type I interferons in terms of viral infections and tumors. This review describes the current knowledge about these cytokines.
aInterdisciplinary Group of Molecular Immunopathology, Dermatology/Medical Immunology, University Hospital Charité, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
bPsoriasis Research and Treatment Center, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Charité, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
cResearch Center Immunosciences, University Hospital Charité, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Corresponding authors at: Interdisciplinary Group of Molecular Immunopathology, Dermatology/Medical Immunology, University Hospital Charité, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
ABSTRACT