Common gamma chain cytokines: dissidence in the details

Nuno L. Alves, Fernando A. Arosa, René A. W. van Lier

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

55 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cytokines of the common cytokine-receptor gamma-chain (gamma(c)) family are essential for the development and maintenance of lymphocytes. Herein, we will focus on the roles of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-7, IL-15 and IL-21, in the orchestration of CD8 T cell responses. Among these cytokines, IL-7 has emerged as a master regulator of survival of immature and mature T lymphocytes, while IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 appear to have specific functions in T cell homeostasis and differentiation. Hence, the gamma(c) has evolved as an elegant anchor through which related cytokines regulate distinct biological responses in T cells
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)113-120
JournalImmunology letters
Volume108
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

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