IL21 Receptor peptide

A novel cytokine related to IL-2 and IL-15 was recently identified and designated IL-21. The receptor for IL-21 (IL-21R, also termed NILR for novel Interleukin receptor) is a new member of the class I cytokine receptor family. IL-21R forms a complex with the common cytokine receptor g chain, gc, and mediates IL-21 signaling. Both IL-21R and the gc are necessary for IL-21 function. IL-21 and its receptor activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. IL-21R is expressed in spleen, thymus, natural killer (NK), T and B cell lines. IL-21 plays a role in the proliferation and maturation of NK, B and T cell populations.