Interleukin-27 subunit beta (EBI3)

Interleukin-27 subunit beta (EBI3) is a secreted glycoprotein identified by its induction in B lymphocytes following Epstein-Barr virus infection[5][7]. It is homologous to the p40 subunit of interleukin-12 and is a structural component of two key heterodimeric cytokines: IL-27 (where it combines with p28) and IL-35 (where it combines with IL-12p35)[5][7][8]. EBI3 participates in immune regulation by modulating T cell differentiation (TH1, TH2, TH17), promoting or inhibiting inflammation, and contributing to anti-tumor and antiangiogenic activities[1][5][7]. Besides its extracellular cytokine functions, EBI3 can act intracellularly as a chaperone, aiding in protein folding, notably enhancing expression of the IL-23 receptor alpha chain in T cells[3]. EBI3 is involved in immune responses, inflammation, infection, cancer progression, and autoimmune processes, but is not directly targeted by clinical drugs as of current knowledge.

Other names

IL-27 subunit betaIL27BIL-27BEpstein-Barr virus induced gene 3 proteinEBV-induced gene 3Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 proteinIL35BIL-35BEBV-induced gene 3 proteininterleukin-27 subunit betaIL-27bIL-35 subunitEBI3

Modulates immune signaling as part of IL-27 and IL-35 heterodimeric cytokines, activating or suppressing various immune cell functions including TH1, TH2, and regulatory T cell responses[5][7][8].