Interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha mRNA (IL4RA mRNA)

Interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha (IL4R mRNA) is the messenger RNA transcript that encodes the alpha chain of the IL-4 receptor (CD124), a critical component of both Type I and Type II receptor complexes (UniProt P24394). This receptor subunit is essential for mediating the biological effects of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), which are the primary drivers of Type 2 (Th2) inflammation. In conditions such as asthma and atopic dermatitis, the overproduction of these cytokines leads to airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus production, and elevated IgE levels. By targeting the IL4R mRNA transcript with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), researchers aim to prevent the translation of the receptor protein entirely (PubMed 17601770). This pre-translational silencing reduces the density of IL-4 receptors on the cell surface, effectively dampening the downstream JAK/STAT signaling pathways. While monoclonal antibodies like dupilumab target the mature protein, mRNA-directed therapies such as AIR549 and TPI ASM8 have been investigated for their potential to provide localized treatment, particularly through inhalation for respiratory diseases (PubMed 18462141, PubMed 21854341).

Other names

IL-4R alpha mRNACD124 mRNAInterleukin-4 receptor alpha chain mRNAIL4R-alpha mRNA

Antisense inhibition of translation or RNase H-mediated degradation of the target mRNA transcript, preventing the synthesis of the Interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha protein.