IL 20 Human
Description
Molecular Structure and Genetic Characteristics
Human IL-20 is encoded by the IL20 gene located on chromosome 1q32, clustered with other IL-10 family cytokines . Key structural features include:
IL-20 shares <40% sequence identity with other IL-10 family members but retains conserved amphipathic helices critical for receptor binding .
Immune Regulation
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Induces antimicrobial peptides (e.g., β-defensins, S100 proteins) and chemokines (CXCL8, CCL20) in keratinocytes
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Promotes STAT3 activation, driving keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation
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Enhances Th2 polarization in naïve T cells by increasing IL-4/IL-13 production
Epithelial Homeostasis
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Facilitates wound healing through regenerative maturation pathways
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Regulates adipocyte function and angiogenesis, with implications in atherosclerosis
Hematopoiesis
Inflammatory Diseases
Cancer Biology
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Pro-tumor effects: Enhances migration/invasion in bladder cancer and upregulates PD-L1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
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Anti-tumor effects: Limits tissue damage from chronic inflammation in some contexts
Receptor Signaling Dynamics
IL-20 engages two receptor complexes with distinct tissue distributions:
| Receptor Type | Components | Shared Ligands | Primary Tissues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | IL-20Rα + IL-20Rβ | IL-19, IL-24 | Skin, lung, reproductive organs |
| Type II | IL-22Rα1 + IL-20Rβ | IL-24 | Gut, pancreas |
Structural studies reveal affinity-tuned interfaces enabling shared receptor usage while maintaining ligand specificity .
Therapeutic Targeting
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IL-20 antagonists (e.g., monoclonal antibody 7E) reduce tumor growth and PD-L1 expression in pancreatic cancer models .
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STAT3 inhibitors block IL-20-driven keratinocyte hyperproliferation in psoriasis .
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Clinical trials targeting IL-20 pathways are ongoing for autoimmune and oncological indications .
Expression and Regulation
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
IL-20 is synthesized as a 176 amino acid precursor, which includes a 24 amino acid signal sequence and a 152 amino acid mature segment . The protein is mainly produced by myeloid cells such as monocytes, granulocytes, and dendritic cells, but it can also be produced by keratinocytes and fibroblasts . The expression of IL-20 is stimulated by various cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-17, IL-22, TNF, and LPS .
IL-20 requires an IL-β-subunit receptor (IL-20RB) for signaling, which can form a functional heterodimeric receptor with either the α-subunit of the IL-20 receptor (IL-20RA) or the α1-subunit of the IL-22 receptor (IL-22RA1) . These receptor variants allow efficient IL-20 signaling. Receptors for IL-20 are expressed in various tissues, including the skin, lungs, ovary, testes, and placenta .
IL-20 is involved in several biological processes, including:
- Positive regulation of keratinocyte differentiation
- Positive regulation of osteoclast differentiation
- Positive regulation of epidermal cell differentiation
- Regulation of inflammatory response
- Positive regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT protein
- Regulation of signaling receptor activity
- Cytokine-mediated signaling pathway
Recombinant human IL-20 is produced using E. coli expression systems. The recombinant protein is typically purified to a high degree of purity (>97%) and is used in various research applications . It is available in both carrier-free and carrier-containing formulations, with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) often used as a carrier protein to enhance stability and shelf-life .
Recombinant IL-20 is used in cell proliferation assays and other research studies to understand its role in immune responses and potential therapeutic applications .
