Sil-4 Receptor- Alpha (sIL-4R alpha) Human Active Protein

This gene encodes the alpha chain of the interleukin-4 receptor, a type I transmembrane protein that can bind interleukin 4 and interleukin 13 to regulate IgE production. The encoded protein also can bind interleukin 4 to promote differentiation of Th2 cells. A soluble form of the encoded protein can be produced by proteolysis of the membrane-bound protein, and this soluble form can inhibit IL4-mediated cell proliferation and IL5 upregulation by T-cells. Allelic variations in this gene have been associated with atopy, a condition that can manifest itself as allergic rhinitis, sinusitus, asthma, or eczema. Polymorphisms in this gene are also associated with resistance to human immunodeficiency virus type-1 infection. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2012]

IL4R: Receptor for both interleukin 4 and interleukin 13. Couples to the JAK1/2/3-STAT6 pathway. The IL4 response is involved in promoting Th2 differentiation. The IL4/IL13 responses are involved in regulating IgE production and, chemokine and mucus production at sites of allergic inflammation. In certain cell types, can signal through activation of insulin receptor substrates, IRS1/IRS2. Belongs to the type I cytokine receptor family. Type 4 subfamily. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Membrane protein, integral; Receptor, cytokine

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 16p12.1-p11.2

Cellular Component: extracellular space; integral to plasma membrane; receptor complex

Molecular Function: protein binding; interleukin-4 receptor activity; receptor signaling protein activity

Biological Process: ovulation; positive regulation of T-helper 2 cell differentiation; negative regulation of T-helper 1 cell differentiation; response to estrogen stimulus; production of molecular mediator of acute inflammatory response; immune response; defense response to protozoan; signal transduction; positive regulation of macrophage activation; regulation of cell proliferation

Disease: Ige Responsiveness, Atopic; Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1, Susceptibility To