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. 2012 Dec 25;4(1):57–65. doi: 10.7150/jca.5048

IL-22: An Evolutionary Missing-Link Authenticating the Role of the Immune System in Tissue Regeneration

Pawan Kumar 1, Kamalakannan Rajasekaran 1, Jeanne M Palmer 1,2, Monica S Thakar 1,3,✉, Subramaniam Malarkannan 1,2,4,✉
PMCID: PMC3564247  PMID: 23386905

Abstract

Tissue regeneration is a critical component of organ maintenance. The ability of lymphocytes to kill pathogen-infected cells has been well-studied. However, the necessity for lymphocytes to participate in reconstruction of destroyed tissues has not been explored until recently. Interleukin (IL)-22, a newly defined cytokine exclusively produced by subsets of lymphocytes, provides the strongest proof yet for the tissue regenerative potentials of the immune system. IL-22 plays an obligatory role in epithelial homeostasis in the gut, liver and lung. The receptor for IL-22 (IL-22R1 and IL-10R2) is predominantly expressed by epithelial cells. While the pro-inflammatory effect is questioned, the pro-constructive potential of IL-22 is well established. It is evident from the response to IL-22, that epithelial cells not only produce anti-microbial peptides but also actively proliferate. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and retinoic acid-related orphan receptor (RORγt) transcription factor are required for IL-22 generation from Lymphoid Tissue inducer cells LTi, Th22 and NK-like cells. However, IL-22 production from conventional NK cells is independent of AhR and RORγt. In this review, we present a case for a paradigm shift in how we define the function of the immune system. This would include tissue regeneration as a legitimate immune function.

Keywords: Interleukin (IL)-22, immune function, tissue regeneration

Introduction: Redefining the immune paradigm

Lymphocytes have evolved to mediate complex immune responses to protect the body from pathogens, parasites, and tumor growth. However, there is growing evidence that lymphocytes have also evolved to perform a number of other 'unexpected' physiological functions. One such function is the ability of lymphocytes to produce cytokines uniquely responsible for tissue regeneration and homeostasis. IL-22 is produced by specialized and conventional innate lymphocytes. Its receptor is uniquely expressed in select non-immune cells including epithelial cells. IL-22 promotes the production of anti-microbial peptides from epithelial cells and more importantly stimulates their active proliferation. Thus, IL-22 becomes an exceptional example of a tool produced by the immune system to maintain and regenerate tissues under normal and pathological conditions. In this review, we discuss recent advances in IL-22 biology, its relevance in disease conditions, and its future utilization as a therapeutic agent. The ability of IL-22 to mediate the pro-inflammatory responses is under debate. Currently, studies indicate that the function of IL-22 in tissue regeneration or proinflammation is disease or organ specific 1. For example, in gut, liver, and lung disease models, IL-22 has been reported to have anti-microbial, tissue protective, and tissue regenerative effects 2-4. Whereas in a skin psoriasis model, IL-22 demonstrates both inflammatory and hyperproliferative effects 5.

IL-22 and its receptor: it takes a family

IL-22 was first identified in 2000 during a search for IL-9-inducible genes in mouse T cells 6. An increase in IL-22 mRNA was shown in peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived CD4 T and NK cells following anti-CD3 antibody or IL-2/IL-12-mediated stimulations, respectively 7. One of the identified genes showed 22% amino acid homology to IL-10, and was named 'IL-10-related T cell-derived Inducible Factor' (IL-TIF) 6. Later, its human counterpart, which showed 79% amino acid homology with mouse IL-TIF was independently identified by two groups 8;9 and designated as IL-22. Cytokines such as IL-19, IL-20, IL-24, IL-26, IL-28α, IL-28β and IL-29 that are structurally related to IL-10 also belong to the IL-10 family 10-14. A close evolutionary relationship between some of these cytokines reveals a conserved functional significance of IL-22 and its family members (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Evolutionary relationship between IL-10 family members. IL-22, IL-20, IL-24 and IL-26 belong to IL-10 family of cytokines. Phylogenetic tree indicates the evolutionary relationship of IL-10 family members among different species. This tree was generated using PhylomeDB alignment program software based on distance-matrix and amino acid sequences of murine IL-22. Dendrogram generated using UPGMA method with a 'Systematic tie breaking' based on the percent differences between amino acid sequences. Distances were calculated using an uncorrected 'p' and gaps distributed proportionately among different amino acid sequences. The number below the dendrogram represents the unit change in the amino acid sequences among indicated species.

IL-10 uses heterodimeric receptor complexes for signaling. Although, IL-22 is structurally similar to IL-10, it does not use the same receptor complex for signaling. Functional studies confirmed IL-10R2 as a common receptor chain for both IL-10 and IL-22 (Figure 2). Later a second unique receptor component was identified and named as IL-22R1 9. IL-22R expression is limited to non-hematopoietic cell lineages; mainly to epithelial cells in lung, intestine, skin, pancreas, and liver 7. IL-22R uses JAK-STAT signaling pathway and STAT1, STAT3, and STAT4 transcription factors 15. These signaling pathways regulate epithelial cell proliferation and production of anti-microbial peptides 16;17.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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IL-22 and IL-10 receptors evolved to utilize shared subunits. IL-10 and IL-22 receptors are composed of heterodimeric chains. IL-10 is made up of IL-10R1 and IL-10R2. IL-22 receptor complex consists of IL-22R1 and IL-10R2. The unique signaling and the functional outcome of these two cytokines are maintained by the exclusive use of independent receptor subunits.

IL-22 production: Multiple cell types, unique niches, and distinct developmental requirements

Various cell types produce IL-22, such as innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), NK, NKT, and γδ T cells 18. Our earlier studies demonstrate that the production of IL-22 from conventional NK cells plays a vital role in the regeneration of tracheal and alveolar epithelial cells (Figure 3) 19. Thus, the cell types that produce IL-22 are all of hematopoietic origin. Among various T cells subsets, IL-22 is preferentially produced under Th17-polarized conditions. However, cytokines that are responsible for IL-17 generation did not have the same effect on IL-22 production. IL-6 along with high concentration of TGF-β promotes Th17 polarization and IL-17 generation. However, IL-6 alone can induce IL-22 production from T cells. Interestingly, TGF-β suppresses IL-22 generation from T cells 20.

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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IL-22 is produced by conventional lymphocytes such as NK cells. Multiple lymphocyte subsets including NK cells are able to produce IL-22. Representative confocal images of tracheal sections of mice infected with influenza virus (PR8) were stained for NCR1 (azure), NK1.1 (blue), and IL-22 (red). Scale bars in the images represent 20 μM. The number of NK cells producing IL-22 steadily increased in the later stages (7-12 days) of influenza virus infection, when epithelial cell layer repair was underway.

ILCs include LTi cells and NK-like cells and originate from a common hematopoietic precursor 21. There are a number of developmental differences among ILCs in terms of expression of cytokines and dependence upon signaling pathways. LTi cells regulate lymphoid tissue formation during fetal development by using the lymphotoxin signaling pathway 22. IL-22 acts downstream of the lymphotoxin pathway 23;24 and is essential for the organization and maintenance of lymphoid follicles during infection 24. Furthermore, development of LTi and NK-like cells but not conventional NK cells depends on the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and the number of lymphoid follicles is reduced in AhR knockout mice 25. Conventional mouse NK cells constitutively express the pan NK cells marker NK1.1 (CD161) and the natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) NKp46. NK-like cells express NKp46, but differ in their ability to express NK1.1 (low or negative). Conventional NK cells do not express IL-7 receptor α-chain (CD127), and depend on IL-15 for development and require IL-23 or IL-12 and IL-18 for IL-22 production 19. On the other hand, NK-like cells do express CD127 and their development strictly depends on IL-7 but not on IL-15 26. Further, unlike conventional NK cells, NK-like cells express and depend on RORγt for their development 21;27. NK-like cells can constitutively produce IL-22 28 and in addition, IL-23 has been shown to be one of the are major stimuli for its generation.

Biological functions of IL-22: Mea Culpa - the destroyer is the defender

IL-22 is a unique cytokine, only produced by immune cells and exclusively used by non-immune cells. IL-22 exerts both proinflammatory and tissue protective functions. Innate immune cells predominantly produce IL-22 in unique body niches. However, recent studies have extended these findings to more conventional immune cell types such as γδ T, NK, and NKT cells 18;29-32. Thus, the conventional immune cell types such as NK or T cells are not only able to protect the body by killing pathogen-infected epithelial cells, but also are able to regulate their tissue regeneration by promoting epithelial cell proliferation (Figure 4). Here, we summarize immune IL-22 function in the context of organs and related diseases.

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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Existing definition of immune system requires a paradigm shift. Defined immune paradigm involves recognition and elimination of virus-infected epithelial cells. However, evidence is mounting that immune cells are involved in the regeneration of destroyed epithelial cell layers. This supports the argument that a paradigm shift in the very definition of the immune system is required.

IL-22 and gut epithelial cell regeneration

The role of IL-22 in gut homeostasis is well studied and reviewed elsewhere 33;34. ILCs, which include LTi and NK-like cells, are reported to be the major producers of IL-22 in the gut. Colonic epithelial cells express high level of IL-22R 35. Increased expression of IL-22 is detected in Crohn's disease and in ulcerative colitis patients 36-38, suggesting IL-22 plays a critical role in this disease model. Indeed, IL-22 promotes the production of proinflammatory and tissue-remodeling cytokines, enhancing proliferation and migration of colonic epithelial cells in the gut 37;38. Moreover, in vivo gene delivery of IL-22 attenuates Th2-mediated colitis and regulates the expression of genes related to mucus layer formation 39. To further evaluate the role of IL-22 in gut epithelial cell homeostasis, IL-22 knockout mice were generated and challenged with Citrobactor rodentium 40. IL-22 knockout mice displayed impaired gut epithelial cell regeneration, high bacterial load and increased mortality; thus, confirming the previously defined IL-22 functions 40. ILCs are of particular interest in the bacteria-induced colitis model where they are the major contributor of IL-22 41.

IL-23 is the major factor identified for IL-22 generation; mice deficient in IL-23p19 had reduced IL-22 production and displayed a similar phenotype to the IL-22 knockout 40. Initially an NK-like (CD3-NKp46+NK1.1-) subset was reported to be the predominant source of IL-22 in the gut 27;41, but later studies indicate LTi-like cells are the major contributor for IL-22 in the gut 42;43.

However, in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) model, both T and NK cells contribute to IL-22-mediated protection 31. The conflicting reports on the effect of IL-22 on epithelial cells resulting in regeneration versus production of proinflammatory cytokines is not yet thoroughly understood. In this context, it is important to note that while the normal levels of IL-22 support the optimal proliferation of epithelial cells; an augmented IL-22 secretion may promote hyper-proliferation of these cells resulting in hyperplasia. Therefore, a careful interpretation of IL-22 functions in various disease models is required to generate clinical utilization guidelines for IL-22. Development of IL-22 producing NK like cells depends on RORγt 27;28 suggesting these cells are derived from LTi cells 44. Furthermore, gut commensal micro flora is required for the differentiation of IL-22-producing NK-like cells 27;28; however, this is debated 25. IL-22 production also contributes to immunopathology in the gut. For example, Toxoplasma gondii-induced ileal inflammation was significantly reduced in IL-22 and IL-23p19 knockout but not in IL-17 knockout mice, suggesting IL-23-induced IL-22 leads to pathological responses in the gut 45.

IL-22 and airway epithelial cell regeneration

Tracheal and bronchial epithelial cells in the lung express IL-22 receptor 46. Recent studies have shown that IL-22 is involved in protection against bacteria as well as epithelial cell regeneration. The role of IL-22 in lung epithelial cells was first demonstrated in a bacterial pneumonia model 47 where IL-22 alone or IL-22 in combination with IL-17 increased lung epithelial cell proliferation and expression of host defense-related genes such as β-defensin 2, psoriasin and calgranulin. In this study, IL-22 and IL-17 independently regulated mucosal host defenses against Klebsiella pneumoniae, and CD90+ T cells were the major producer of IL-22 47. In a ventilation-induced lung injury model, IL-22 conferred protection by reducing proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 production, and by increasing the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 48.

Using a bleomycin-induced lung-injury model, earlier studies demonstrate that IL-22 exerts both proinflammatory and tissue protective roles 49. IL-22 blockade or bleomycin administration to IL-22 knockout mice results in reduced lung inflammation and weight loss, suggesting a proinflammatory role for IL-22 in acute lung injury 49. Furthermore, the proinflammatory effect of IL-22 requires the presence of IL-17A 50. Interestingly, in the absence of IL-17A, IL-22 is tissue protective 49, suggesting IL-17 governs the inflammatory and tissue protective effect of IL-22 in the acute lung injury model. TCRβ+CD4+ T cells have been reported to be the dominant producer of both IL-17A and IL-22 after bleomycin administration 49. Moreover, adenovirus delivery of IL-22 into C57BL/6 mice results in systemic generation of acute phase protein, further demonstrating the proinflammatory effect of IL-22 51. Both the proinflammatory and protective role of IL-22 was confirmed in an allergic lung inflammation model 50, where upregulation of inflammatory cytokine IL-17A and IL-17F and a down regulation of Th2 cytokines/chemokines were observed in IL-22 deficient mice during onset of allergic inflammation 50. Interestingly, IL-22 neutralization during the sensitization phase reduces lung inflammation; whereas, its neutralization during the antigen challenge phase augments the inflammatory response 50.

IL-22 plays a tissue protective role in hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a chronic lung inflammatory condition 18. In this model, recombinant IL-22 ameliorates Bacillus subtilis-induced lung inflammation in TCR-δ or AhRd/d mice, and inhibition of IL-22 results in an increase in fibrosis and inflammation 18. In this study, γδ T cells are the major producers of IL-22, and depend on AhR signaling. The protective role of IL-22 was further confirmed in Staphylococcus aureus infection model, where infection of IL-22 or IL-17 knockout mice resulted in impaired bacterial clearance 52. Staphylococcus aureus infection increases the expression of IL-17 and IL-22; however, when mice are challenged with influenza virus followed by Staphylococcus aureus, the expression of these cytokines is reduced, resulting in an increased susceptibility to infection 52.

A recent study has shown that IL-22 can be produced by conventional NK cells during influenza infection 32. In this study, mice were challenged with a suboptimal dose of influenza virus (5 plaque forming units) and treated with a single dose of IL-22 neutralizing antibody. They found that IL-22 did not play any protective or inflammatory role. However, this study did not analyze the effect of IL-22 blockade on bronchial and tracheal epithelial cells in infected mice 32. Studies from our laboratory confirm that production of IL-22 occurs from conventional NK cells during influenza infection 19. We characterized the phenotype of IL-22-producing cells as NCR1+NK1.1+CD127-. In contrast to the findings of Guo et al, where the IL-22 effect was blocked by specific antibody 32, infection of IL-22 knockout mice resulted in severe weight loss and impaired regeneration of tracheal and bronchial epithelial cells. Adoptive transfer of IL-22 sufficient, but not deficient NK cells into IL-22 knockout mice restored epithelial cell regeneration. Influenza infection in IL-22 knockout mice resulted in more severe lung inflammation, which could be due to decreased IL-10 generation from epithelial cells. The mechanism of epithelial cell regeneration following viral infection remains unclear. Mature epithelial cells actively proliferate in response to IL-22 resulting in tissue regeneration. Moreover, the role of IL-22 in progenitor cell differentiation and maturation of epithelial cells has yet to be fully understood. In summary, IL-22 plays a critical role in tissue repair in lung disease models.

IL-22 and liver hepatocyte regeneration

Hepatocytes abundantly express IL-22R and stimulation via IL-22, promotes cell growth and survival. Tissue protective and regenerative functions of IL-22 were first reported by Radaeva et al in a liver injury model, whereby blockade of IL-22 results in severe liver injury. Additionally, in vitro stimulation of hepatic cells with recombinant IL-22 enhanced expression of anti-apoptotic and mitogenic gene 2. Furthermore, in vivo gene delivery of IL-22 protects against liver injury by various toxins 4. IL-22 expression is reported in human hepatitis patients, and primary human hepatocytes responded to recombinant IL-22 by active proliferation resulting in liver regeneration. IL-22 also enhances expression of proinflammatory regenerative cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and SOCS-1/3; however, overexpression of SOCS abrogates IL-22-mediated liver regeneration 38. The tissue protective role of IL-22 in acute liver injury was further reported by Zenewicz et al, in which IL-22 knockout mice were highly susceptible to Conconavalin A-induced hepatitis 53. Interestingly, IL-17 does not play a protective role in acute liver injury 53.

IL-22 also promotes liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy 54, suggesting a therapeutic implication of this cytokine in liver transplantation or patients undergoing hepatic surgery. In addition to tissue regenerative and anti-apoptotic effect, IL-22 regulates the expression of genes responsible for lipogenesis, and long term treatment of IL-22 resulted in decreased levels of triglyceride and cholesterol 55. Furthermore, IL-22 provides protection against alcohol or Conconavalin-A induced liver injury 56-58. In a liver disease model, IL-22 is shown to be anti-apoptotic, tissue regenerative, anti-steatotic, and anti-inflammatory and has the potential to be used to treat hepatic conditions 59. After injury, hepatic stellate cells are activated and produce extracellular matrix components and metalloproteases, thus, playing a critical role in tissue remodeling. Hepatic stellate cells express IL-22R and regulate liver fibrosis through IL-22 signaling 59. In addition, IL-22R is expressed in liver stem/progenitor cells and in vitro stimulation of these cells with IL-22 results in STAT3 activation and cell proliferation 60. Additional studies are required to confirm the in vivo role of IL-22 in liver stem cell function.

IL-22 and skin epithelial cell regeneration

Keratinocytes and fibroblasts express IL-22R and IL-22 treatment enhances the expression of β-defensin 2 and 3 in keratinocytes 61. IL-22 enhances migration of keratinocytes and also increases the expression of S100A7, S100A8, S100A9 and MMP-3 in cultured primary keratinocytes 5;16;62. Interestingly, S100A7, also known as psoriasin, is highly responsive to IL-22 stimulation in keratinocytes 5. Psoriasin is a highly upregulated gene in psoriasis patients 63. Indeed, a high levels of IL-22 transcripts and protein were detected in psoriatic skin 16;64;65, and neutralization of IL-22 or IL-22 deficiency resulted in reduced thickening of skin and proinflammatory cytokine generation 17;65, suggesting IL-22 acts as a proinflammatory and hyperproliferative cytokine in these skin diseases. IL-22 also enhances the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis 66;67.

Immune system: Are we ready for a paradigm change?

Recognition of non-self from self, fine-tuned specificity, and the principles of memory form the basic tenets of an immune system. The current definition of an immune system excludes the exciting possibility that the immune system has co-evolved to actively support the recovery and regeneration of damaged tissue. Ample evidence exists to prove that the immune system takes part in the continuous maintenance and regeneration of tissues. Recent studies have shown that the homeostasis of epithelial cells in different parts of the body depends on unique and conventional lymphocytes. Epithelial cells form the first barrier level to prevent entry of pathogens. As discussed here, IL-22 plays a critical role in the regeneration of damaged epithelial monolayer and stimulates antimicrobial peptide generation. Infection resulting in tissue injury leads to stem cell differentiation. Studies have indicated stem cells express functional IL-22R and after stimulation give rise to distinct progeny 60. Therefore, future studies should focus on the role of the immune system in the maintenance and differentiation of stem cells by immune mediators. IL-22 constitutes one of the best pieces of evidence of how an exclusively immune cell-derived soluble mediator can uniquely regulate the proliferation and regeneration of a non-immune cell type. These 'non-immune' functions of IL-22 beg to redefine the role of the immune system. Additionally, functions of IL-22 also provide strong evidence that the immune system actively participates in tissue regeneration, repair, and maintenance.

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