Increased expression of the novel IL-10 like cytokine IL-26 in RORγt expressing Th17 cells in patients with active Crohn's disease

Background/Aims: Currently, the role of IL-26, a novel IL-10 like cytokine without murine homologue, in human gastrointestinal disease is completely unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze this novel cytokine system including its expression and transcriptional regulation in intestinal inflammation. Methods: Expression studies were performed by quantitative PCR, Western Blot and immunohistochemistry. IL-26 serum levels were determined by an immunoluminometric assay (ILMA). Results: All examined intestinal epithelial cell lines (SW480, SW620, Caco-2, HT-29, HCT116, T84, DLD-1) express both IL-26 receptor sub…