The Interleukins (IL) IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24 and IL-26 have been grouped into the IL-20 cytokine subfamily within the IL-10 cytokine family. The IL-20 cytokine family members use common receptor chains and have similarities in target cell profiles and biological functions to facilitate the communication between leukocytes and epithelial cells. Members of this cytokine family (i) support innate immune responses at barrier surfaces, (ii) facilitate repair of barrier defects after viral or bacterial infections and (iii) are essential for the development of inflammatory diseases in the intestine (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) and in the skin (e.g. psoriasis).
In recent years, sophisticated transgenic loss of function and reporter mouse models have been developed that allowed the identification of the cellular sources of these cytokines and helped to define their function in different contexts and organs. Improved understanding of the contribution of this cytokine family to specific innate and adaptive immune responses is essential for the development of potential target strategies for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
In this Research Topic, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the biology of IL-20 cytokines with a particular emphasis on barrier surfaces. We seek reviews, mini-reviews and original research articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:
1. Tissue specific expression of IL-20 cytokines and their function
2. IL-20 cytokines mediated communication between leukocytes and epithelial cells
3. IL-20-cytokines in innate defense mechanism
4. IL-20 cytokines in defense to bacterial infections
5. IL-20 cytokines in inflammatory disease
6. IL-20 cytokines in cancer
7. Potential use of IL-20 cytokines as biomarker in inflammatory diseases and therapeutic use
The Interleukins (IL) IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24 and IL-26 have been grouped into the IL-20 cytokine subfamily within the IL-10 cytokine family. The IL-20 cytokine family members use common receptor chains and have similarities in target cell profiles and biological functions to facilitate the communication between leukocytes and epithelial cells. Members of this cytokine family (i) support innate immune responses at barrier surfaces, (ii) facilitate repair of barrier defects after viral or bacterial infections and (iii) are essential for the development of inflammatory diseases in the intestine (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) and in the skin (e.g. psoriasis).
In recent years, sophisticated transgenic loss of function and reporter mouse models have been developed that allowed the identification of the cellular sources of these cytokines and helped to define their function in different contexts and organs. Improved understanding of the contribution of this cytokine family to specific innate and adaptive immune responses is essential for the development of potential target strategies for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
In this Research Topic, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the biology of IL-20 cytokines with a particular emphasis on barrier surfaces. We seek reviews, mini-reviews and original research articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:
1. Tissue specific expression of IL-20 cytokines and their function
2. IL-20 cytokines mediated communication between leukocytes and epithelial cells
3. IL-20-cytokines in innate defense mechanism
4. IL-20 cytokines in defense to bacterial infections
5. IL-20 cytokines in inflammatory disease
6. IL-20 cytokines in cancer
7. Potential use of IL-20 cytokines as biomarker in inflammatory diseases and therapeutic use