ABSTRACT
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a new member of the interleukin-2 family. It is mainly synthesized and secreted by the activated of CD4(+) T cells and natural killer T cells. IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) is mainly expressed in T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. After binding to its receptor, IL-21 can regulate the activation and proliferation of T cells, B cells, and NK cells through activating JAKs-STATs signaling pathways. As a new immunoregulatory factor, IL-21 and its receptor play important roles in the development and progression of various autoimmune diseases. Regulation of the expression levels of IL-21 and IL-21R and blocking of their signal transduction pathways with blockers may be new treatment options for autoimmune diseases.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Autoimmune Diseases , Allergy and Immunology , Dendritic Cells , Allergy and Immunology , Interleukins , Physiology , Killer Cells, Natural , Allergy and Immunology , Lymphocytes , Allergy and Immunology , Receptors, Interleukin-21 , PhysiologyABSTRACT
Chylothorax is a rare complication of neck dissection, and bilateral chylothorax is even rarer. However, both are potentially serious and sometimes life-threatening, especially those that are associated with left neck dissection for head and neck neoplasms. We report one case of bilateral chylothorax following left supraclavicular dissection for breast cancer. This case was treated successfully with a new conservative management approach.