Interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R) (IL23R)

The Interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R) is a type I cytokine receptor that, together with the IL12RB1 subunit, forms the functional signaling complex for the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-23 (UniProt: Q5VWK5). It is primarily expressed on Th17 cells, gamma-delta T cells, and innate lymphoid cells, playing a pivotal role in the maintenance and expansion of the Th17 immune response (PubMed: 12023369). Upon activation, IL23R signals through the JAK2/TYK2 and STAT3 pathways to induce the production of cytokines like IL-17 and IL-22, which are central to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis (PubMed: 17068223). While most clinical therapies target the IL-23 ligand, the IL23R mRNA is a specific target for emerging RNA interference (RNAi) strategies, such as the siRNA STNM01, which aims to downregulate receptor expression (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01681875). Additionally, novel oral peptides like JNJ-77242113 have been developed to directly antagonize the receptor protein, offering a more targeted approach to inhibiting this inflammatory axis (NEJM: 10.1056/NEJMoa2308704).

Other names

IL-23RInterleukin 23 receptorIL23 receptor subunit alphaIL-23 receptor subunit alpha

Direct antagonism of the IL-23 receptor complex to prevent ligand binding and downstream signaling, or RNA interference-mediated degradation of IL23R mRNA to downregulate receptor expression.