Interleukin-13 receptor (IL-13R) (IL-13R)

The Interleukin-13 (IL-13) receptor pathway is a central mediator of Type 2 inflammation and immune responses (Source: PubMed, PMID: 12446024). The functional signaling complex, known as the Type II IL-4 receptor, consists of a heterodimer of the IL-13 receptor alpha 1 (IL-13Ra1) and the IL-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Ra) subunits (Source: UniProt, P78552). Upon binding of the IL-13 cytokine, this complex activates the Janus kinase (JAK) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6 (STAT6) signaling pathway (Source: StatPearls, NBK541037). This pathway is critical for physiological processes such as goblet cell hyperplasia, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness (Source: PubMed, PMID: 18461029). Dysregulation of IL-13 signaling is a primary driver in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, including bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, and eosinophilic esophagitis (Source: NIH, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases). Therapeutic strategies involve monoclonal antibodies like tralokinumab and lebrikizumab that neutralize the IL-13 ligand, or dupilumab which blocks the IL-4Ra subunit to mitigate chronic inflammation (Source: PubChem, CID: 117072452). Additionally, the IL-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL-13Ra2) acts as a high-affinity decoy receptor that regulates the availability of IL-13, although it may also participate in non-canonical signaling (Source: PubMed, PMID: 25639145).

Other names

IL-13 receptorIL13RType II IL-4 receptorIL-13/IL-4 receptor complexIL-13 signaling pathway

Monoclonal antibodies target the IL-13 cytokine or the IL-4Ra/IL-13Ra1 receptor subunits to prevent ligand-receptor binding and subsequent activation of the JAK/STAT6 signaling pathway.