IL23A
Description
The IL23A (interleukin 23 subunit alpha) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
Interleukin-23 subunit alpha is a protein encoded by the IL23A gene in humans. Also known as IL-23p19, it is one of the two subunits of the cytokine Interleukin-23. Interleukin-23 is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of an IL-23 alpha subunit and an IL-12p40 subunit. The IL-12p40, also known as Interleukin 12 subunit beta, is shared by both IL-23 and IL-12. A functional receptor for IL-23, composed of IL-12R β1 and IL-23R, has been identified. Produced by dendritic cells and macrophages, IL-23 plays a key role in the inflammatory response to infection. It promotes the upregulation of matrix metalloprotease MMP9, increases angiogenesis, and reduces CD8+ T-cell infiltration into tumors. IL-23 influences both innate and adaptive arms of the immune system through the IL-23 receptor. Th17 cells, a prominent T cell subset, respond to IL-23, while IL-23 also inhibits the development of regulatory T cells in the intestine. Th17 cells produce IL-17, a proinflammatory cytokine that enhances T cell priming and stimulates the production of other proinflammatory molecules like IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, NOS-2, and chemokines, leading to inflammation.
IL-23A forms the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-23 with IL12B, which plays important roles in both innate and adaptive immunity. Released by antigen-presenting cells like dendritic cells and macrophages, IL-23 binds to a receptor complex composed of IL12RB1 and IL23R, triggering activation of JAK2 and TYK2 kinases. These kinases phosphorylate the receptor, creating a docking site for STAT3 and STAT4 phosphorylation. This process activates pathways such as p38 MAPK or NF-kappa-B, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly interleukin-17A/IL17A. IL-23 is involved in early and efficient intracellular bacterial clearance and promotes the survival and expansion of T-helper 17 cells, a subset of CD4-positive helper T-cells that produce IL-17, along with other IL-17-producing cells.
IL23A is also known as IL-23, IL-23A, IL23P19, P19, SGRF.
