IL-26, a Cytokine With Roles in Extracellular DNA-Induced Inflammation and Microbial Defense

Overview

Journal Front Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2019 Feb 28

PMID 30809226

Citations 36

Authors

Vincent Larochette

Charline Miot

Caroline Poli

Elodie Beaumont

Philippe Roingeard

Helmut Fickenscher

Pascale Jeannin

Yves Delneste

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Interleukin 26 (IL-26) is the most recently identified member of the IL-20 cytokine subfamily, and is a novel mediator of inflammation overexpressed in activated or transformed T cells. Novel properties have recently been assigned to IL-26, owing to its non-conventional cationic, and amphipathic features. IL-26 binds to DNA released from damaged cells and, as a carrier molecule for extracellular DNA, links DNA to inflammation. This observation suggests that IL-26 may act both as a driver and an effector of inflammation, leading to the establishment of a deleterious amplification loop and, ultimately, sustained inflammation. Thus, IL-26 emerges as an important mediator in local immunity/inflammation. The dysregulated expression and extracellular DNA carrier capacity of IL-26 may have profound consequences for the chronicity of inflammation. IL-26 also exhibits direct antimicrobial properties. This review summarizes recent advances on the biology of IL-26 and discusses its roles as a novel kinocidin.

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