Cytokines that share the γc receptor subunit and their functions
| Cytokine | Functions |
|---|---|
| IL, interleukin; NK, natural killer. | |
| IL-2 | Clonal expansion of T cells |
| Activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cells | |
| Differentiation of T helper (Th) cells | |
| Regulation of self-tolerance and development of regulatory T cells (T regs) | |
| IL-4 | Enhancement of T helper 2 (Th 2) cell differentiation |
| Antagonism of Th 1 differentiation and macrophage activation | |
| Regulation of B cell function and immunoglobulin class switching in concert with IL-21 | |
| Stimulation of mast cells | |
| IL-7 | Development of T and B cells |
| Homoeostasis of peripheral lymphocytes | |
| Generation of CD8+ memory T cells | |
| IL-9 | Goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus production |
| IL-15 | Development, differentiation, survival, and activation of NK cells |
| Homoeostasis of peripheral T cells | |
| Generation of CD8+ memory T cells | |
| IL-21 | Regulation of B cell function and immunoglobulin class switching in conjunction with IL-4 |
| Proliferation and activation of NK cells | |