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

The Interleukin-13 (IL-13) Type II receptor is a heterodimeric transmembrane complex consisting of the Interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-1 (IL-13Rα1) and the Interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha (IL-4Rα) (UniProt: P78552, P24394). This receptor complex is the primary mediator of IL-13 signaling and also serves as the Type II receptor for IL-4, primarily expressed on non-hematopoietic cells such as airway epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts (PubMed: 10446163). Upon ligand binding, the receptor activates the Janus kinase (JAK)/Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) pathway, which drives the expression of genes central to Type 2 (Th2) inflammation (PubMed: 12446019). These biological processes include mucus hypersecretion, airway hyperresponsiveness, and tissue remodeling, making the receptor a critical driver in diseases like asthma, atopic dermatitis, and eosinophilic esophagitis. Therapeutic strategies targeting this receptor include monoclonal antibodies such as dupilumab, which blocks the IL-4Rα subunit, and tralokinumab or lebrikizumab, which neutralize the IL-13 ligand (DrugBank: DB12510). By inhibiting this signaling axis, these drugs effectively reduce the inflammatory burden and clinical symptoms associated with chronic allergic conditions.

Other names

IL-13Rα1/IL-4Rα complexType II IL-4 receptorIL-13 receptor complexInterleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-1/Interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha heterodimerIL-13R

Antagonism of the receptor complex by blocking the IL-4Rα subunit or neutralizing the IL-13 ligand to prevent heterodimerization and downstream JAK/STAT6 signaling.