IL22

Official Full Name

interleukin 22

Organism

Homo sapiens

GeneID

50616

Background

This gene is a member of the IL10 family of cytokines that mediate cellular inflammatory responses. The encoded protein functions in antimicrobial defense at mucosal surfaces and in tissue repair. This protein also has pro-inflammatory properties and plays a role in in the pathogenesis of several intestinal diseases. The encoded protein is a crucial cytokine that regulates host immunity in infectious diseases, including COVID-19 (disease caused by SARS-CoV-2). [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2021]

Synonyms

TIFa; IL-21; IL-22; ILTIF; IL-TIF; IL-D110; zcyto18; TIFIL-23;

Bio Chemical Class

Cytokine: interleukin

Protein Sequence

MAALQKSVSSFLMGTLATSCLLLLALLVQGGAAAPISSHCRLDKSNFQQPYITNRTFMLAKEASLADNNTDVRLIGEKLFHGVSMSERCYLMKQVLNFTLEEVLFPQSDRFQPYMQEVVPFLARLSNRLSTCHIEGDDLHIQRNVQKLKDTVKKLGESGEIKAIGELDLLFMSLRNACI

Open

Disease

Diabetic foot ulcer, Graft-versus-host disease, Psoriasis, Ulcerative colitis

Approved Drug

Clinical Trial Drug

4 +

Discontinued Drug

Cat.No.	Product Name	Price

Cat.No.	Product Name	Price

Cat.No.	Product Name	Tag	Price

Cat.No.	Product Name	Price

Cat.No.	Product Name	Price

Detailed Information

Interleukin-22 (IL-22), a member of the IL-10 family, has been widely studied for its regenerate ability that reverses the injuries caused by a wide range of agents. Studies has found that IL-22 is involved in mucosal barrier defense, tissue repair, epithelial cell survival and proliferation and plays dual roles in many diseases such as autoimmune disease, infection and malignancy.

IL-22 signaling pathway

IL-22 Figure 1. IL-22 signaling pathway. (Lanfranca M P, et al. 2016)

IL-22 has been found to regulate signaling via binding to a heterodimer receptor complex, which consists of IL-22R1 and IL-10R2. Upon binding of IL-22 to the IL-22R1, the heterodimer complex alters conformation and associates to IL-10R2, activating the downstream signaling. The Janus kinases 1 (Jak1) and tyrosine-protein kinase2 (Tyk2) are first activated and trigger various intracellular pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), AKT, P38, JNK and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) via phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1, STAT3 and, STAT5 proteins. Thus, IL-22 can exert its biological functions in preservation of mucosal barriers, protection of the host from microbial parasites in the skin, lung and intestine, prevention of cellular apoptosis and promotion of cell survival and proliferation (Figure 1). However, it has been demonstrated that the soluble high affinity receptor IL-22 binding protein (IL-22 BP) can regulate the IL-22 function negatively.

IL-22 and intestinal diseases

IL-22 Figure 2. Protective effects of IL-22 against tumor formation. (Hernandez P, et al. 2018)

Studies from various experimental models of colonic injury and inflammation have demonstrated the protective effects of IL-22 against tumor formation (Figure 2). These effects have been proved to mediate by specific chemokines, genes related to promotion of cellular mobility and innate defense mechanisms. It has been shown that IL-22 protects intestinal epithelium from damage and induces intestinal stem cell proliferation and survival to repair intestinal injury. Moreover, IL-22 has been found to involve in limiting inflammation to protect intestines during chronic colitis. The IL-22 protective effects also perform in decreasing the unexpected damage from chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, IL-22 has been found to interrupt the contact between the intestinal bacteria and the epithelium and protect the intestinal barrier from pathogenic microbes via inducing the production of the mucus layer and anti-bacterial proteins. It also has been shown that IL-22 is involved in the expansion of beneficial bacterial communities, which is against the colonization of potential pathogens, through regulating the production and release of certain carbohydrate chains.

IL-22 Figure 3. IL-22 contributes to tumor progression. (Hernandez P, et al. 2018)

In addition to the protective effects, IL-22 has been found to promote tumor progression, typically at later stages of cancer progression (Figure 3). It has been shown that IL-22/IL-22R signaling is utilized by cancer cells to induce its proliferation which contributes to tumor growth. Moreover, a supporting niche, created under the influence of IL-22 signaling, provides the tumor with nutrient and represses the host antitumor immune responses. Studies have been found that the pro-survival and anti-apoptotic effects of IL-22 on tumor cells might be implicated with the activation of STAT3 signaling, which is known as an oncogenic signaling pathway. Additionally, IL-22 also has been found to enhance migration and invasion of tumor cells via increasing the expression of matrix metalloprotease (MMP) and damaging the basal lamina. Several reports also demonstrated that factors like cellular stress responses and reactive nitrogen species induced by IL-22 might be harmful for DNA, promoting tumor or progression.

References:

Hernandez P, et al. A catch‐22: Interleukin‐22 and cancer. European Journal of Immunology, 2018, 48(1).
Shabgah A G, et al. Interleukin-22 in human inflammatory diseases and viral infections. Autoimmunity Reviews, 2017, 16(12).
Parks O B, et al. Interleukin-22 Signaling in the Regulation of Intestinal Health and Disease. Frontiers in Cell & Developmental Biology, 2015, 3(282):52-57.
Lanfranca M P, et al. Biological and Pathological Activities of Interleukin-22. Journal of Molecular Medicine-jmm, 2016, 94(5):523-534.

Quick Inquiry

Interested in learning more?

Contact us today for a free consultation with the scientific team and discover how Creative Biogene can be a valuable resource and partner for your organization.

Request a quote today!

Inquiry