IL-21 Limits NK Cell Responses and Promotes Antigen-Specific T Cell Activation

IFNα/β, IL-12, and IL-15 regulate NK cell activation and expansion, but signals triggering resolution of the NK response upon induction of adaptive immunity remain to be defined. We now report that IL-21, a product of activated T cells, may serve this function. Mice lacking IL-21R (IL-21R−/−) had normal NK cell development but no detectable responses to IL-21. IL-21 enhanced cytotoxic activity and IFNγ production by activated murine NK cells but did not support their viability, thus limiting their duration of activation. Furthermore, IL-21 blocked IL-15-induced expansion of resting NK cells, thus preventing the initiation of further innate responses. In contrast, IL-21 enhanced the proliferation, IFNγ production, and cytotoxic function of CD8+ effector T cells in an allogeneic MLR. These observations suggest that IL-21 promotes the transition between innate and adaptive immunity.