Definition:

Cytokine that plays a critical role in modulating tissue responses during inflammation. Plays an essential role in the regeneration of epithelial cells to maintain barrier function after injury and for the prevention of further tissue damage. Unlike most of the cytokines, has no effect on immune cells. Signals through a heterodimeric receptor composed of two subunits, the specific receptor IL22RA1 which is present on non-immune cells in many organs and the shared subunit IL10RB. Ligation of IL22RA1 with IL22 induces activation of the tyrosine kinases JAK1 and TYK2, which in turn activates STAT3. In turn, promotes cell survival and proliferation through STAT3, ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathways.