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

The interleukin-13 receptor complex is a heterodimeric receptor primarily comprising IL-13Rα1 and IL-4Rα subunits on the cell surface, forming the so-called Type II IL-4 receptor[3][2][4][1][6]. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) first binds IL-13Rα1, then recruits IL-4Rα, initiating intracellular JAK-STAT (notably STAT6) signaling pathways that drive Th2-type immune responses[3][4]. A second subunit, IL-13Rα2, binds IL-13 with extremely high affinity but historically was thought to act as a decoy receptor, sequestering IL-13 and limiting signaling; more recent data show it can also transmit signals, such as promoting TGF-β1 production, implicating it in fibrosis[2][5]. The IL-13 receptor complex plays key roles in airway inflammation (e.g., asthma), allergic diseases, and tissue fibrosis[6][2]. Therapeutic targeting of the IL-13 pathway, often with monoclonal antibodies against IL-13 or its receptors, is an established strategy for treating severe asthma and other Th2-driven disorders, though it carries risks of immune suppression[2][5][3][6]. For structured data, the actual target is best represented by the receptor subunits—especially IL-13Rα1 (primary signaling receptor) and IL-13Rα2 (decoy/signaling modulator).

Other names

IL-13 receptorType II IL-4 receptor

Antagonism of IL-13 binding (by monoclonal antibodies against IL-13 or its receptor) Inhibition of IL-13/IL-4-induced STAT6 pathway Blockade of downstream pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory gene transcription