IL-27 Receptor

The interleukin-27 receptor, also designated WSX-1 or T-cell cytokine receptor (TCCR, CD130 family relative), is the private ligand-binding component of the functional IL-27 receptor complex. This type I transmembrane glycoprotein belongs to the class I cytokine receptor superfamily and pairs with gp130 (IL-6ST) to form the complete receptor for the heterodimeric cytokine IL-27 (IL-27A/EBI3). Ligand engagement activates JAK1/TYK2 and phosphorylates STAT1 and STAT3, which mediate T-bet induction and Th1 differentiation, expansion of naive T cells, and production of CXCR3 ligands from antigen-presenting cells. WSX-1 also possesses immunoregulatory functions: it restrains Th17 and Tfh responses, limits experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and suppresses chronic intestinal inflammation. WSX-1-deficient mice display enhanced cytokine storm during intracellular infection, and altered WSX-1 signaling is associated with lupus and Crohn's disease.