The biology of Interleukin-27 reveals unique pro- and anti-inflammatory functions in immunity

Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is a heterodimeric cytokine that because of structural properties and shared receptors belongs to the IL-6/IL-12 superfamily of cytokines. It is composed by the two subunits p28 (IL-27a, IL-30) and EBI3 (Epstein-barr virus-induced gene 3, IL-27b) [1]. The α-subunit p28 is a four-helical bundle cytokine like the other members of the IL-6-family, and EBI3 is the soluble α-receptor that consists of two fibronectin-like domains [2] (Figure 1).
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Tags: Mini review Source Type: research