Interleukin 31, a cytokine produced by activated T cells, induces dermatitis in mice.

Interleukin 31, a cytokine produced by activated T cells, induces dermatitis in mice.

Nature immunology (2004-06-09)

Stacey R Dillon, Cindy Sprecher, Angela Hammond, Janine Bilsborough, Maryland Rosenfeld-Franklin, Scott R Presnell, Harald S Haugen, Mark Maurer, Brandon Harder, Janet Johnston, Susan Bort, Sherri Mudri, Joseph L Kuijper, Tom Bukowski, Pamela Shea, Dennis L Dong, Maria Dasovich, Francis J Grant, Luann Lockwood, Steven D Levin, Cosette LeCiel, Kim Waggie, Heather Day, Stavros Topouzis, Janet Kramer, Rolf Kuestner, Zhi Chen, Don Foster, Julia Parrish-Novak, Jane A Gross

PMID15184896

RESUMEN

T cell-derived cytokines are important in the development of an effective immune response, but when dysregulated they can promote disease. Here we identify a four-helix bundle cytokine we have called interleukin 31 (IL-31), which is preferentially produced by T helper type 2 cells. IL-31 signals through a receptor composed of IL-31 receptor A and oncostatin M receptor. Expression of IL-31 receptor A and oncostatin M receptor mRNA was induced in activated monocytes, whereas epithelial cells expressed both mRNAs constitutively. Transgenic mice overexpressing IL-31 developed severe pruritus, alopecia and skin lesions. Furthermore, IL-31 receptor expression was increased in diseased tissues derived from an animal model of airway hypersensitivity. These data indicate that IL-31 may be involved in promoting the dermatitis and epithelial responses that characterize allergic and non-allergic diseases.