Interleukin-27 receptor

Interleukin-27 receptor (also known as IL-27R) is a type of protein that in humans is encoded by the IL27RA gene. It is a component of the immune system, playing a crucial role in the regulation of immune response.

Structure

The IL-27R is a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of two distinct subunits: IL-27Rα (also known as WSX-1 or TCCR) and glycoprotein 130 (gp130). The IL-27Rα subunit is unique to the IL-27R, while the gp130 subunit is shared with other members of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokine receptors.

Function

The primary function of the IL-27R is to mediate the biological activities of interleukin-27 (IL-27), a cytokine produced by antigen-presenting cells. Upon binding of IL-27, the IL-27R initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling events, leading to the activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which in turn regulates the expression of genes involved in immune responses.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the function or expression of the IL-27R have been implicated in a variety of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the IL-27R has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of these diseases.

See also

• Interleukin-27
• Interleukin-6
• Cytokine receptor
• Immune response