About this Research Topic
IL-27 is an immunoregulatory cytokine belonging to the IL-12 and IL-6 cytokine families. Identified in 2002, this cytokine is heterodimeric, composed of EBI3 and p28 subunits, and interacts with a heterodimeric receptor composed of WSX-1 and gp130. Produced mainly by antigen-presenting cells in response to stimulation of pattern recognition receptors, early roles for this cytokine were identified to be in the promotion of naïve CD4 T cell proliferation and Th1 differentiation. However, a wide spectrum of different functions for this cytokine quickly became apparent, and have since been identified to range from promoting or curbing inflammatory diseases, cancers, and viral infections. Due to the various roles of this cytokine in modulating inflammatory responses, consideration has been given towards the development of therapeutics that either promote its expression or antagonize its function.
IL-27 expression has been associated with a diverse set of outcomes that appear to be dependent upon the disease or infection, cell activation status, and cell type examined. Divergent roles for IL-27 are apparent in different autoimmune or inflammatory disease conditions where this cytokine is either protective or exacerbates the condition or disease. Similarly, IL-27 has a role as an anti-cancer cytokine, however contradictory roles for IL-27 and the related cytokine, IL-30, have been documented. Interestingly, IL-27 has the capacity to inhibit virus infection and promote anti-viral immunity in a variety of infection models along with inducing multiple anti-viral genes and non-coding RNAs. In contrast, IL-27 opposes control of bacterial replication in a variety of infection models.
The goal of this Research Topic is to further clarify the role of IL-27, including WSX-1/gp130 expression and signaling as well as responses to IL-30 (IL-27p28) across a broad range of inflammatory conditions and disease. We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Systematic Review, Mini Review, Method, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective, Clinical Trial, Case Reports, and Opinion articles, which cover, but are not limited to, the following themes:
1. IL-27 & cancer and immunotherapy
2. IL-27 as an anti-viral cytokine
3. IL-27 expression and function during bacterial infection
4. IL-27 and autoimmune disease
5. IL-27/IL-30 signaling and control of inflammation
Keywords: IL-27, IL-30, IL-27p28, WSX-1/gp130, Inflammation, Signaling, Gene expression, Cancer, Virus infection, Autoimmune disease, Bacterial infection
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