interleukin-31

Recombinant IL-31 is a laboratory-engineered form of the cytokine interleukin-31, a member of the IL-6 family primarily secreted by activated Th2 lymphocytes. It signals through a heterodimeric receptor complex consisting of IL-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) and the oncostatin M receptor (OSMR). IL-31 is a potent inducer of pruritus and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. In the context of respiratory research, recombinant IL-31 is utilized to investigate the role of the IL-31/IL-31RA axis in airway hyperresponsiveness and smooth muscle contraction. Recent studies suggest that while IL-31RA may contribute to asthma pathology, its effects on airway smooth muscle may be ligand-independent, as exogenous recombinant IL-31 does not necessarily enhance airway contraction in murine models.

Other names

recombinant IL-31rIL-31rIL31rIL 31