The IL-20 cytokines IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24, and IL-26 are elevated in patients with IBD, gastrointestinal infections, and gastrointestinal cancers, of which IL-22 is the most intensively studied cytokine of the IL-20 cytokine family in contexts with gastrointestinal diseases by facilitating wound healing, tissue protection, and regeneration. The gene discussed is IL26; the disease is inflammatory bowel disease.