Interleukin 5 receptor alpha subunit

Interleukin 5 receptor alpha subunit (also known as IL5RA) is a type of protein that in humans is encoded by the IL5RA gene. It is a part of the interleukin receptor family and plays a crucial role in the immune system.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The IL5RA protein is a type of transmembrane protein that is located on the surface of certain white blood cells, including eosinophils and basophils. It consists of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. The extracellular domain is responsible for binding to interleukin 5 (IL5), a type of cytokine that is involved in the immune response.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the IL5RA protein is to bind to IL5. This binding triggers a series of signal transduction events within the cell, leading to the activation of various immune response pathways. These pathways are involved in the proliferation and differentiation of eosinophils and basophils, which play a key role in the body's defense against parasitic infections and are involved in the pathogenesis of certain allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the IL5RA gene have been associated with various medical conditions. For example, a rare genetic disorder known as hypereosinophilic syndrome is caused by mutations in this gene. In addition, elevated levels of IL5RA have been found in patients with certain types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma, suggesting that this protein may play a role in the development of these diseases.

File:Interleukin 5 receptor alpha subunit.png

Structure of the interleukin 5 receptor alpha subunit.