Interleukin-17 receptor

Interleukin-17 receptor (IL-17R) is a type of protein that in humans is encoded by the IL17RA gene. It is a part of the Interleukin-17 receptor family, which is a group of receptors that bind to Interleukin-17 to initiate cellular responses.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The IL-17R is a single-pass type I membrane protein. It is composed of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. The extracellular domain is responsible for binding to the IL-17 ligand, while the intracellular domain is responsible for signal transduction.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the IL-17R is to bind to IL-17 and initiate a cellular response. This response is typically pro-inflammatory, leading to the production of other cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. This makes the IL-17R a key player in the immune response, particularly in the defense against extracellular bacteria and fungi.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Due to its role in the immune response, the IL-17R has been implicated in several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis. In these diseases, the IL-17R is overactive, leading to an excessive immune response and inflammation. As such, drugs that target the IL-17R are being investigated as potential treatments for these conditions.