Interleukin-4 receptor type II complex (IL-4R Type II)

The Interleukin-4 receptor type II complex is a heterodimeric signaling unit consisting of the Interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) and the Interleukin-13 receptor alpha 1 (IL-13Rα1) subunits [1, 2]. This complex is unique because it serves as a shared receptor for both Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-13 (IL-13), which are the primary drivers of Type 2 (Th2) immune responses [3]. Activation of the Type II complex triggers the Janus kinase (JAK)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6 (STAT6) signaling pathway, promoting biological processes such as B-cell class switching to IgE, goblet cell hyperplasia, and recruitment of eosinophils [4]. Due to its central role in mediating allergic inflammation, the Type II complex is a major therapeutic target for chronic inflammatory conditions including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and eosinophilic esophagitis [3]. Monoclonal antibodies like Dupilumab target the IL-4Rα subunit, effectively blocking signaling from both IL-4 and IL-13 through this complex [5]. Other therapies, such as Lebrikizumab and Tralokinumab, specifically target the IL-13 ligand to prevent its interaction with the Type II receptor [3].

Other names

IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1 complexType II IL-4 receptorIL-4/IL-13 receptor complexInterleukin-4/Interleukin-13 receptor

Antagonism of the receptor complex subunits or its ligands (IL-4 and IL-13) to inhibit downstream JAK/STAT6 signaling pathways associated with Type 2 inflammation [3, 5].