{{ infobox .infobox-gene
| gene = IL22
| name = Interleukin 22
| chromosome = 12q13
| ncbi_gene_id = 50616
| ensembl = ENSG00000127353
| uniprot = Q9GZT6
| diseases = Inflammatory Disease, Psoriasis, Neuroinflammation
}}
IL22 (Interleukin 22) is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family, encoded by the IL22 gene located on chromosome 12q13 1. IL22 is produced primarily by activated Th22 cells, Th17 cells, NK cells, and innate lymphoid cells 2. Unlike other IL-10 family cytokines, IL22 signals through a distinct receptor complex (IL22R1/IL10R2) and exerts tissue-protective effects rather than primarily immunosuppressive functions 3.
IL22 binds to IL22R1 (also known as IL22RA1), which is expressed mainly on epithelial cells and some stromal cells, but not on immune cells 4. This unique receptor expression pattern means IL22 acts primarily on non-hematopoietic cells, promoting tissue repair, antimicrobial defense, and inflammation resolution.
The role of IL22 in neuroinflammation has become increasingly recognized, with implications for multiple sclerosis, autoimmune encephalitis, and other neurological conditions 5.
IL22 signals through a heterodimeric receptor:
IL22 activates multiple signaling cascades:
IL22 exerts protective effects on epithelial tissues:
IL22 modulates inflammation in tissue-specific ways:
IL22 plays complex roles in neuroinflammation:
IL22 and IL22R are expressed in the CNS:
IL22 is involved in several inflammatory conditions:
In neurological autoimmunity:
Therapeutic strategies include:
IL22-based therapies are being developed for: