IL-21 in cancer immunotherapy: At the right place at the right time

Oncoimmunology. 2013 Jun 1;2(6):e24522. doi: 10.4161/onci.24522. Epub 2013 Apr 16.

Abstract

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) has been described as a potent stimulator of antitumor T-cell immunity, but also of autoimmune reactions and oncogenesis. Antigen presenting cells genetically modified to release IL-21 allow for the expansion of tumor-specific T cells exhibiting favorable effector and growth characteristics and a minimal risk of detrimental side effects.

Keywords: DC vaccination; IL-21; adoptive cell transfer; antigen presenting cell; common gamma-chain cytokine receptor family.