Cutting edge: The common γ-chain is an indispensable subunit of the IL-21 receptor complex

H. Asao, C. Okuyama, S. Kumaki, N. Ishii, S. Tsuchiya, D. Foster, K. Sugamura

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

448 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The common γ-chain (γc) is an indispensable subunit of the functional receptor complexes for IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15 as well as IL-2. Here we show that the γc is also shared with the IL-21R complex. Although IL-21 binds to the IL-21R expressed on γc-deficient ED40515- cells, IL-21 is unable to transduce any intracytoplasmic signals. However, in EDγ-16 cells, a γc-transfected ED40515- cell line, IL-21 binds to the IL-21R and can activate Janus kinase (JAK)1, JAK3, STAT1, and STAT3. The chemical cross-linking study reveals the direct binding of IL-21 to the γc. These data clearly demonstrate that the γc is an indispensable subunit of the functional IL-21R complex.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-5
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume167
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2001 Jul 1

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