Interferon lambda receptor 1 and interleukin-10 receptor subunit beta heterodimer (IFN-λR1/IL-10Rβ)

The Interferon lambda receptor 1 and interleukin-10 receptor subunit beta heterodimer is the type III interferon receptor complex consisting of the specific IFN-λR1 (IL-28RA) subunit and the shared IL-10Rβ subunit. This heterodimeric receptor complex is required for cellular responses to type III interferons (IFN-λ1, IFN-λ2, IFN-λ3), which are important mediators of mucosal and epithelial antiviral defense. The IFN-λR1 chain confers type III interferon specificity and is restricted to select tissues (primarily epithelial surfaces), whereas the IL-10Rβ subunit is more broadly expressed and also participates in signaling by other IL-10 family cytokines (IL-10, IL-22, IL-26). Ligand binding occurs sequentially: IFN-λ first binds IFN-λR1, then recruits IL-10Rβ, forming a high-affinity signaling complex that activates the JAK/STAT pathway. This pathway leads to the induction of hundreds of antiviral and immunoregulatory genes. The unique tissue distribution of this receptor complex underlies type III IFN’s selective activity and improved tolerability compared to type I interferons, making it an attractive therapeutic target for antiviral treatments and potentially for cancer immunotherapy.

Other names

IFNλR1/IL-10Rβ complexIFN-λ receptor complexType III interferon receptor complexIL-28RA/IL-10R2 heterodimerIFNLR1/IL10RB complex

Activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway via receptor dimerization upon ligand (IFN-λ) binding Induction of antiviral gene expression (interferon-stimulated genes)