Cytokine receptors on T and NK cells engaged by dendritic cell-derived cytokines

This target entry describes a functional group of cytokine receptors, primarily including the IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and IL-23 receptors, which are expressed on T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells. These receptors are activated by cytokines secreted by dendritic cells, serving as a critical bridge between innate sensing and adaptive immune execution (Nature Reviews Immunology, 2019). For instance, IL-12 and IL-23 signaling through their respective receptors drives the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells, which are central to both protective immunity and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and Crohn's disease (StatPearls, 2023). Conversely, the IL-15 receptor complex on NK and CD8+ T cells is a major target for cancer immunotherapy, where agonists are used to promote the survival and cytotoxic function of these effector cells (ImmunityBio, 2024). Therapeutic strategies involving this group range from monoclonal antibodies that block receptor binding to reduce pathological inflammation, to cytokine superagonists designed to enhance anti-tumor responses (PubMed: 30217980).

Other names

Dendritic cell-derived cytokine receptorsT cell and NK cell cytokine receptorsIL-12/IL-15/IL-18/IL-23 receptor groupDC-T/NK axis receptors

Antagonism of cytokine-receptor interaction to inhibit downstream JAK-STAT signaling (e.g., IL-12/23 inhibitors); Agonism of receptor complexes to stimulate immune effector cell expansion and anti-tumor activity (e.g., IL-15 superagonists).