IL-27 increases intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and migration and its mRNA expression is up-regulated in active Crohn's disease

Background & aims: Interleukin (IL)-27, a member of the IL-6/IL-12 cytokine family, is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of EBI3 and p28 which signals via the heterodimeric IL-27R (WSX-1)/gp130 receptor complex. IL-27 is closely related to IL-12 and IL-23. Given that gp130 expression has been shown in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), we here analyzed whether IL-27R is also expressed in this cell type. Moreover, we characterized IL-27 expression in inflammatory bowel disease and its signal transduction including biological functions on the intestinal barrier. Methods: IL-27 cytokine and receptor expression was…