Interleukin-27 receptor subunit alpha (IL-27Rα)

Interleukin-27 receptor subunit alpha (IL-27Rα or WSX-1) is a transmembrane cytokine receptor that, together with the common co-receptor gp130, forms the functional receptor complex for interleukin-27 (IL-27). When IL-27 binds this receptor complex, it activates the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, especially STAT1 and STAT3, leading to modulation of T cell-mediated inflammation and regulation of immune homeostasis. IL-27Rα is crucial in limiting excessive immune responses and promoting immune tolerance, with important roles in infection, autoimmunity, and antitumor immunity. Growing structural insight into the receptor complex is facilitating the development of therapeutic strategies aiming to selectively modulate IL-27 signaling in oncology and inflammatory diseases.

Other names

IL-27RαIL27RAWSX-1T-cell cytokine receptorCRL1

Drugs/antibodies targeting IL-27Rα would act by modulating or blocking IL-27 signaling, altering STAT1/STAT3-mediated transcription, suppressing or enhancing T cell responses, and impacting cytokine milieu in the tissue microenvironment.