IL-31 Antibody [SB118b]

Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a 24 kDa alpha-helical protein and a member of the IL-6 family of cytokines that is preferentially expressed by CD4+ T cells. This cytokine elicits its response by binding to a heterodimeric complex consisting of a gp130-like receptor chain and the oncostatin M receptor subunit. On target cells which include a broad range of immune and non-immune cells, IL-31 binding can induce activation of the Jak/STAT, AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways. Due to the ubiquitous expression of its receptor complex, IL-31 has numerous physiological roles that include regulating hematopoiesis and immune response. Over-expression has been linked to chronic inflammatory states such as dermatitis, pruritus, airway hypersensitivity, and inflammatory bowel disease.