AUTHOR=Larochette Vincent , Miot Charline , Poli Caroline , Beaumont Elodie , Roingeard Philippe , Fickenscher Helmut , Jeannin Pascale , Delneste Yves TITLE=IL-26, a Cytokine With Roles in Extracellular DNA-Induced Inflammation and Microbial Defense JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology VOLUME=10 YEAR=2019 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2019.00204 DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2019.00204 ISSN=1664-3224 ABSTRACT=

Interleukin 26 (IL-26) is the most recently identified member of the IL-20 cytokine subfamily, and is a novel mediator of inflammation overexpressed in activated or transformed T cells. Novel properties have recently been assigned to IL-26, owing to its non-conventional cationic, and amphipathic features. IL-26 binds to DNA released from damaged cells and, as a carrier molecule for extracellular DNA, links DNA to inflammation. This observation suggests that IL-26 may act both as a driver and an effector of inflammation, leading to the establishment of a deleterious amplification loop and, ultimately, sustained inflammation. Thus, IL-26 emerges as an important mediator in local immunity/inflammation. The dysregulated expression and extracellular DNA carrier capacity of IL-26 may have profound consequences for the chronicity of inflammation. IL-26 also exhibits direct antimicrobial properties. This review summarizes recent advances on the biology of IL-26 and discusses its roles as a novel kinocidin.