Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) is a type I cytokine receptor that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is part of the type I cytokine receptor family, specifically the type 2 subfamily . IL-23R is essential for the signaling of Interleukin-23 (IL-23), a heterodimeric cytokine composed of the p40 subunit of IL-12 and a p19 subunit . IL-23 is primarily produced by antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells .
IL-23R pairs with the receptor molecule IL-12Rβ1 (IL12RB1), and both are required for IL-23 signaling . The receptor complex associates constitutively with Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and binds to the transcription activator STAT3 in a ligand-dependent manner . This interaction is crucial for the downstream signaling pathways that lead to the activation and proliferation of T-cells, particularly the TH17 cell lineage .
IL-23R is expressed by various immune cells, including monocytes, Th1, Th0, NK cells, and dendritic cells . The IL-23/IL-23R signaling axis is vital for the production and survival of TH17 cells, which are involved in the immune response against extracellular pathogens and play a role in autoimmune diseases . IL-23R’s interaction with IL-23 leads to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17, which are essential for the immune response .
Recombinant human IL-23R is produced using various expression systems, including HEK293 cells and Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf 21) cells . The recombinant protein is typically purified to a high degree of purity (≥95%) and is used in various research applications, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA . The recombinant IL-23R is available in both carrier-free and carrier-containing formulations, depending on the specific research needs .
Recombinant IL-23R is widely used in research to study the IL-23/IL-23R signaling pathway and its role in immune responses. It is also used to investigate the potential therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions. The recombinant protein’s ability to induce IL-17 secretion by mouse splenocytes is a key functional assay used to measure its activity .