IL-28, IL-29 and their class II cytokine receptor IL-28R

Nat Immunol. 2003 Jan;4(1):63-8. doi: 10.1038/ni873. Epub 2002 Dec 2.

Abstract

Cytokines play a critical role in modulating the innate and adaptive immune systems. Here, we have identified from the human genomic sequence a family of three cytokines, designated interleukin 28A (IL-28A), IL-28B and IL-29, that are distantly related to type I interferons (IFNs) and the IL-10 family. We found that like type I IFNs, IL-28 and IL-29 were induced by viral infection and showed antiviral activity. However, IL-28 and IL-29 interacted with a heterodimeric class II cytokine receptor that consisted of IL-10 receptor beta (IL-10Rbeta) and an orphan class II receptor chain, designated IL-28Ralpha. This newly described cytokine family may serve as an alternative to type I IFNs in providing immunity to viral infection.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Cytokines
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Interferons
  • Interleukins / genetics*
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Subunits
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cytokine / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cytokine / genetics*
  • Receptors, Cytokine / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Signal Transduction
  • Virus Diseases / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • interferon-lambda, human
  • Interleukins
  • Protein Subunits
  • Receptors, Cytokine
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • interleukin 28alpha receptor
  • RNA
  • Interferons

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AY129148
  • GENBANK/AY129149
  • GENBANK/AY129150
  • GENBANK/AY129151
  • GENBANK/AY129152
  • GENBANK/AY129153
  • PDB/1INR
  • PDB/1RH2