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The biology and therapeutic potential of interleukin 27

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Abstract

Interleukin (IL-) 27 is a helical cytokine of the greater IL-6/IL-12 family with a broad range of pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. It can skew T helper cell development, suppress T cell proliferation, stimulate cytotoxic T cell activity, induce isotype switching in B cells, and has diverse effects on innate immune cells. In vivo, its most important role appears to be that of immune regulation, as mice with defects in IL-27 or its receptor display enhanced immune responses in a range of infectious and noninfectious situations. In this review, we discuss the body of knowledge on IL-27 and its potential therapeutic utility.

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  1. Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA

    Marcel Batten & Nico Ghilardi

  2. Genentech, Inc., 1-DNA Way, Mailstop #37, South San Francisco, CA, 94080-4990, USA

    Nico Ghilardi

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  1. Marcel Batten
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Batten, M., Ghilardi, N. The biology and therapeutic potential of interleukin 27. J Mol Med 85, 661–672 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-007-0164-7

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