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

Interleukin-27 receptor subunit alpha (IL-27RA), also known as WSX-1, is a type I cytokine receptor that forms a functional heterodimeric complex with gp130 to mediate signaling for the cytokine IL-27. It is primarily expressed on T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and antigen-presenting cells, where it plays a dual role in the immune system by both promoting Th1 cell differentiation and limiting excessive inflammatory responses through the induction of IL-10. Upon ligand binding, IL-27RA activates the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, particularly STAT1 and STAT3, to regulate gene expression. In the context of oncology, IL-27RA signaling can contribute to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, making it a target for antagonistic antibodies designed to boost anti-tumor T-cell activity. Conversely, in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, modulating this receptor offers a pathway to dampen pathological immune overactivation. While direct clinical inhibitors of the receptor are still in early development, the IL-27/IL-27RA axis remains a significant area of interest for immunotherapy and chronic inflammatory condition management.

Other names

WSX-1T-cell cytokine receptor (TCCR)Cytokine receptor-like 1 (CRL1)IL-27R-alphaZcytor1

Antagonism of the receptor to enhance anti-tumor immunity or agonism to suppress excessive inflammatory responses.