Interleukin-4 receptor alpha – common gamma chain complex (Type I IL-4 receptor)

The Type I Interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor complex is a heterodimeric signaling unit composed of the Interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) chain and the common gamma chain (γc). This complex is primarily expressed on hematopoietic cells, including T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells, where it specifically binds IL-4 to initiate the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, particularly involving JAK1 and JAK3. Its primary biological role is the regulation of the adaptive immune system, driving the differentiation of naive T-cells into Th2 cells and stimulating B-cell class switching to IgE. Dysregulation of this receptor complex is a central driver in the pathogenesis of Type 2 inflammatory diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis. Therapeutic targeting of the IL-4Rα subunit, which is shared by both Type I and Type II complexes, has proven highly effective in treating chronic allergic conditions by blocking the pro-inflammatory effects of both IL-4 and IL-13.

Other names

Type I IL-4 receptor complexIL-4Rα/γc complexInterleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha/Cytokine receptor common subunit gamma complexCD124/CD132 complex

Monoclonal antibodies like dupilumab bind to the IL-4Rα subunit, preventing the formation of both Type I and Type II receptor complexes, thereby inhibiting IL-4 and IL-13 signaling pathways (JAK/STAT signaling).