Figure 2.

Protective function of interleukin-22 in inflammatory bowel disease. In the intestine, innate and adaptive immune cells, cytokines and many of the transcriptional factors can induce and regulate expression of IL-22. Through activation of STAT3 signaling cascades, IL-22 induces antimicrobial molecules and proliferative and antiapoptotic pathways, and helps regenerate goblet cells and produce mucin proteins, which could prevent tissue damage and aid in its repair. IL: Interleukin; STAT: Signal transducer and activator of transcription.