Interleukin-20 receptor subunit alpha (IL-20RA) (IL-20RA)

Interleukin-20 receptor subunit alpha (IL-20RA) is a type II cytokine receptor that plays a pivotal role in mediating the effects of the IL-20 subfamily of cytokines, including IL-19, IL-20, and IL-24 (UniProt Q9UHF4). It forms a functional heterodimeric complex with the IL-20RB subunit to initiate intracellular signaling via the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, primarily activating STAT3 (PubMed: 11044408). This receptor is predominantly expressed in epithelial tissues, particularly keratinocytes, where it regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and the production of inflammatory mediators (PubMed: 15123770). Dysregulation of IL-20RA signaling is a hallmark of chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, where it drives the characteristic epidermal hyperplasia and leukocyte infiltration (PubMed: 22403439). Consequently, IL-20RA and its ligands are significant therapeutic targets; monoclonal antibodies like fletikumab have been investigated to block these pathways and reduce disease severity (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01232140). Additionally, emerging research suggests IL-20RA involvement in rheumatoid arthritis and the progression of certain cancers, highlighting its broad relevance in immunology and oncology.

Other names

Interleukin-20 receptor 1IL-20R1IL-20R-alphaIL20RACytokine receptor class-II member 8CRF2-8ZCYTOR7

Monoclonal antibodies target the receptor subunit or its associated ligands to inhibit the formation of the active signaling complex, thereby blocking the JAK-STAT pathway and reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (PubMed: 22403439).