Polyclonal Antibody to IL-21 Receptor (NT)

A novel cytokine related to IL2 and IL15 was recently identified and designated IL-21 [1]. The receptor for IL-21 (IL-21R, also termed NILR for novel Interleukin receptor) is a new member of the class I cytokine receptor family [1,2]. IL-21R forms a complex with the common cytokine receptor γ chain, γ_c, and mediates IL-21 signaling [3,4]. Both IL-21R and the γ_c are necessary for the IL-21 function. IL-21 and its receptor activate JAK-STAT signaling pathway. IL-21R is expressed in spleen, thymus, natural killer (NK), T and B cell lines. IL-21 plays a role in the proliferation and maturation of NK, B and T cell populations.