IL-13 R alpha 1 & IL-13

Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced predominantly by T helper 2 (Th2) cells, mast cells, basophils, and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). IL-13 binds to the IL-13Rα1 subunit with low-to-moderate affinity to form an initial binary complex. This binary complex subsequently recruits the shared IL-4Rα chain to form a high-affinity heterodimeric Type II receptor complex (IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1). The functional dimer triggers downstream intracellular signaling, primarily through the JAK/STAT6 pathway. IL-13 plays a central role in type 2 immune responses, driving IgE synthesis, goblet cell metaplasia, mucus overproduction, smooth muscle contraction, and tissue fibrosis. It is a critical driver of allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and eosinophilic esophagitis.