IL-27

null IL-27 (Interleukin-27) is a heterodimeric cytokine of the IL-12 family, composed of two subunits, EBI3 (Epstein-Barr-virus-induced molecule 3) and p28[1]. IL-27 enhances the development, proliferation, and cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells, thereby indirectly promoting anti-tumor immunity. IL-27 shows pro- and anti-inflammatory, suppresses T-cell proliferation, stimulates cytotoxic T-cell activity, induces isotype switching in B-cells, particularly with regards to inhibition of Th2, Th17 and Treg differentiation, and that has diverse effects on innate immune cells[2]. IL-27 activates STAT1, STAT3, STAT6, ERK and p38 MAPKs, and Akt, resulting in enhanced cell proliferation[3]. IL-27 drives rapid clonal expansion of naive but not memory CD4 T-cells. It also strongly synergizes with IL-12 to trigger interferon-gamma/IFN-gamma production of naive CD4 T-cells, binds to the cytokine receptor WSX-1/TCCR[4].