Interleukin-22 receptor subunit alpha 1 (IL-22RA1) (IL-22RA1)

Interleukin-22 receptor subunit alpha 1 (IL-22RA1) is a type II cytokine receptor that forms a functional heterodimeric complex with IL-10R2 to mediate the biological effects of IL-22 (Source: UniProt P59103). Unlike many cytokine receptors, IL-22RA1 is uniquely expressed on non-hematopoietic cells, particularly epithelial cells in the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and lungs, facilitating a specific communication axis between the immune system and mucosal barriers (Source: PubMed PMID: 21909091). Natural Killer (NK) and Natural Killer T (NKT) cells are major innate sources of the IL-22 ligand, which triggers IL-22RA1 to activate the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, predominantly STAT3 (Source: PubMed PMID: 18391948). This signaling promotes epithelial cell survival, wound healing, and the secretion of antimicrobial peptides such as S100 proteins and defensins (Source: PubMed PMID: 23911657). While therapeutic agonism of this pathway is being explored for treating inflammatory bowel disease and acute organ injury, its overactivation is linked to the pathogenesis of psoriasis and potential tumor progression in colorectal and lung cancers (Source: PubMed PMID: 28231269).

Other names

IL-22R1IL22RCytokine receptor family 2 member 9CRF2-9ZcytoR11

Agonism of the IL-22R1/IL-10R2 complex to stimulate STAT3-mediated tissue repair and antimicrobial defense; or antagonism of the IL-22/IL-22R1 axis to reduce epithelial hyperplasia and pathological inflammation.