EBI3

Description

The EBI3 (Epstein-Barr virus induced 3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.

EBI3, also known as interleukin-27 subunit beta (IL-27B) or Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3, is a protein encoded by the EBI3 gene. EBI3 is a secreted glycoprotein belonging to the hematopoietin receptor family, related to the p40 subunit of interleukin 12 (IL-12). It plays a role in regulating cell-mediated immune responses. EBI3 is a subunit in two distinct heterodimeric cytokines: interleukin-27 (IL27) and IL35. IL27, composed of p28 (IL27) and EBI3, can trigger signaling in T cells, B cells, and myeloid cells. IL35, an inhibitory cytokine involved in regulatory T-cell function, is composed of EBI3 and the p35 subunit of IL12.

EBI3 forms the IL-27 interleukin, a heterodimeric cytokine involved in innate immunity. IL-27 exhibits both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. It regulates T-helper cell development, suppresses T-cell proliferation, stimulates cytotoxic T-cell activity, and induces isotype switching in B-cells. IL-27 also has diverse effects on innate immune cells. Its target cells include CD4 T-helper cells, which can differentiate into type 1 effector cells (TH1), type 2 effector cells (TH2), and IL17-producing helper T-cells (TH17). IL-27 drives rapid clonal expansion of naive CD4 T-cells but not memory CD4 T-cells. It synergizes strongly with IL-12 to trigger interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by naive CD4 T-cells and binds to the cytokine receptor WSX-1/TCCR. IL-27 plays a crucial role in antitumor and antiangiogenic activity, activating the production of antiangiogenic chemokines.

EBI3 is also known as IL-27B, IL27B, IL35B.

Associated Diseases

WES Whole Exome Sequencing