IL-13 R alpha 2

Interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-2 is also known as IL13R?2, IL13Ra2 cluster of differentiation 213A2, CD213A2, CT19, IL-13R, IL13BP, and is a membrane bound protein that in humans is encoded by the IL13RA2 gene. IL13R?2 is closely related to IL13R?1, a subunit of the interleukin-13 receptor complex. This protein binds IL13 with high affinity, but lacks any significant cytoplasmic domain, and does not appear to function as a signal mediator. It is, however able to regulate the effects of both IL13 and IL4, despite the fact it is unable to bind directly to the latter. It is also reported to play a role in the internalization of IL13. IL13R?2 is a component of the cell surface receptors, however, the majority exists in intracellular pools and in soluble form, and thus plays an opposite role as a potent IL13 antagonist compared with IL13R?1. It also functions as an inhibitor of IL4-dependent pathway probably through the physical interaction between the short intracellular domain of and cytoplasmic domain of IL13R?2 and the IL4R? chain. In spite of the failed STAT signaling function, IL13R?2 dose induce TGF-beta production and fibrosis. Additionally, IL13R?2has been reported to be abundantly and specifically overexpressed in glioblastoma multiforme.