Interleukin-22 and connective tissue diseases: emerging role in pathogenesis and therapy

• Main Authors: Xiuyun Xuan, Lin Zhang, Chunxia Tian, Ting Wu, Haihua Ye, Juanmei Cao, Fangqi Chen, Yan Liang, Huilan Yang, Changzheng Huang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-01-01
• Series: Cell & Bioscience
• Subjects: Connective tissue diseases; Interleukin-22; Cytokine; IL-22R; Signalling pathway
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13578-020-00504-1

Abstract Interleukin-22 (IL-22), a member of the IL-10 family of cytokines, is produced by a number of immune cells involved in the immune microenvironment of the body. IL-22 plays its pivotal roles by binding to the IL-22 receptor complex (IL-22R) and subsequently activating the IL-22R downstream signalling pathway. It has recently been reported that IL-22 also contributes to the pathogenesis of many connective tissue diseases (CTDs). In this review, we will discuss the role of IL-22 in several CTDs, such as system lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis, suggesting that IL-22 may be a potential therapeutic target in CTDs.