Interleukin 20: discovery, receptor identification, and role in epidermal function

Cell. 2001 Jan 12;104(1):9-19. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(01)00187-8.

Abstract

A structural, profile-based algorithm was used to identify interleukin 20 (IL-20), a novel IL-10 homolog. Chromosomal localization of IL-20 led to the discovery of an IL-10 family cytokine cluster. Overexpression of IL-20 in transgenic (TG) mice causes neonatal lethality with skin abnormalities including aberrant epidermal differentiation. Recombinant IL-20 protein stimulates a signal transduction pathway through STAT3 in a keratinocyte cell line, demonstrating a direct action of this ligand. An IL-20 receptor was identified as a heterodimer of two orphan class II cytokine receptor subunits. Both receptor subunits are expressed in skin and are dramatically upregulated in psoriatic skin. Taken together, these results demonstrate a role in epidermal function and psoriasis for IL-20, a novel cytokine identified solely by bioinformatics analysis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Dimerization
  • Epidermis / chemistry
  • Epidermis / immunology*
  • Epidermis / pathology
  • Gene Expression / immunology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-10 / genetics
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology
  • Interleukins / chemistry
  • Interleukins / genetics*
  • Interleukins / immunology
  • Keratinocytes / cytology
  • Keratinocytes / immunology
  • Keratins / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Psoriasis / immunology
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • Receptors, Cytokine / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cytokine / genetics*
  • Receptors, Cytokine / immunology*
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation / immunology

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Interleukins
  • Receptors, Cytokine
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • STAT3 protein, human
  • Stat3 protein, mouse
  • Trans-Activators
  • Interleukin-10
  • Keratins
  • interleukin 20

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF184971
  • GENBANK/AF192498
  • GENBANK/AF224266
  • GENBANK/AF224267
  • GENBANK/X24379