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Abstract
Interleukin-31, produced mainly by activated CD4(+) T cells, is a newly discovered
member of the gp130/IL-6 cytokine family. Unlike all the other family members, IL-31
does not engage gp130. Its receptor heterodimer consists of a unique gp130-like receptor
chain IL-31RA, and the receptor subunit OSMRbeta that is shared with another family
member oncostatin M (OSM). Binding of IL-31 to its receptor activates Jak/STAT, PI3K/AKT
and MAPK pathways. IL-31 acts on a broad range of immune- and non-immune cells and
therefore possesses potential pleiotropic physiological functions, including regulating
hematopoiesis and immune response, causing inflammatory bowel disease, airway hypersensitivity
and dermatitis. This review summarizes the recent findings on the biological characterization
and physiological roles of IL-31 and its receptors.