IL1RL2 antibodies are immunological reagents designed to specifically recognize and bind to the Interleukin 1 Receptor-Like 2 protein (also known as IL-36R, IL-1Rrp2, or IL-1R6). These antibodies serve as essential tools for studying the structure, expression patterns, and functional roles of IL1RL2 in both normal physiology and disease states. The target of these antibodies, IL1RL2, is a member of the interleukin 1 receptor family that plays critical roles in inflammatory signaling pathways across multiple tissues and cell types .
Human IL1RL2 is encoded by a gene located on chromosome 2q12, forming part of a cytokine receptor gene cluster that includes other interleukin 1 receptor family members such as IL1R1, IL1R2, IL1RL1, and IL18R1 . The protein consists of 561 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 65 kDa, including a putative 19 amino acid signal peptide and a 318 amino acid extracellular domain . IL1RL2 shares approximately 67% and 65% amino acid sequence identity with rat and mouse IL1RL2, respectively, indicating considerable evolutionary conservation across mammalian species .
IL1RL2 functions as the primary receptor for the IL-36 family of cytokines, which includes three agonists (IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ) and one antagonist (IL-36Ra) . Upon binding of IL-36 agonists, IL1RL2 heterodimerizes with IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP) to form a functional signaling complex that initiates downstream inflammatory cascades .
The formation of this heterodimeric receptor complex triggers the recruitment of intracellular signaling molecules, including myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), IL-1R-associated kinase (IRAK), and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) . This signaling cascade leads to the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) . Activation of these pathways results in the phosphorylation of IκB-α, allowing the translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus and subsequent transcription of pro-inflammatory genes .
IL1RL2 signaling promotes the production of various inflammatory mediators, including:
Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines
Antimicrobial peptides
Proliferation mediators
Expression of IL1RL2 is primarily observed in epithelial barrier tissues such as the skin, lungs, and intestinal tract . Within these tissues, IL1RL2 is expressed by multiple cell types including keratinocytes, respiratory epithelial cells, and various immune cells such as monocytes, dendritic cells, and T cells . This expression pattern positions IL1RL2 as a critical sensor at host-environment interfaces, where it mediates inflammatory responses to microbial stimuli and tissue damage .
The IL-36/IL1RL2 signaling axis plays important roles in linking innate and adaptive immunity. Studies have demonstrated that IL-36 cytokines, acting through IL1RL2, can induce IL-2 production, T cell survival, and promote polarization of naive T cells toward the T helper 1 cell phenotype . Additionally, IL1RL2 signaling stimulates dendritic cells and promotes the secretion of IL-23, which subsequently induces IL-22 production from group 3 innate lymphoid cells and CD4+ T cells .
Dysregulation of IL1RL2 signaling has been implicated in various inflammatory disorders, particularly those affecting epithelial barrier tissues. The IL-36/IL1RL2 axis plays a significant role in psoriasis pathogenesis, where overexpression of IL-36 cytokines in the skin leads to keratinocyte hyperproliferation, immune cell infiltration, and chronic inflammation . Studies in transgenic mouse models with overexpression of IL-36α have demonstrated development of acanthosis and hyperkeratosis in basal keratinocytes, mimicking features of human psoriasis .
IL1RL2 signaling also contributes to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathophysiology. Compound heterozygous missense mutations (c.[952A>G];[965A>C]) and splice region mutations (c.1298-4C>T) in IL1RL2 have been identified as risk factors for very early onset IBD . Functional analyses demonstrated that these mutations result in impaired NF-κB and MAPK signaling in macrophages, altered expression of immune markers, and defects in epithelial wound healing .
Other inflammatory conditions associated with aberrant IL1RL2 signaling include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Sjögren's syndrome, highlighting the broad impact of this pathway in immune-mediated disorders .
Recent investigations have revealed significant roles for IL1RL2 in various malignancies. In bladder cancer, IL1RL2 expression is markedly upregulated compared to normal tissues . Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data demonstrated that IL1RL2 expression correlates with tumor stage, grade, and lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer patients . Immunohistochemical evaluation further confirmed elevated IL1RL2 protein levels in tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues .
| Variables | IL1RL2 Expression Level | P-value |
|---|---|---|
| Low | High | |
| Age | ||
| <65 | 25 (34.7%) | 10 (25.0%) |
| ≥66 | 47 (65.3%) | 30 (75.0%) |
| Sex | ||
| Male | 63 (87.5%) | 30 (75.0%) |
| Female | 9 (12.5%) | 10 (25.0%) |
| Tumor Stage | ||
| Low | Higher percentage | Lower percentage |
| High | Lower percentage | Higher percentage |
| Tumor Grade | ||
| Low | Higher percentage | Lower percentage |
| High | Lower percentage | Higher percentage |
| Lymph Node Metastasis | ||
| Negative | Higher percentage | Lower percentage |
| Positive | Lower percentage | Higher percentage |
Functional studies suggest that IL1RL2 may promote bladder cancer progression through modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway and regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment . Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed associations between IL1RL2 expression and immune cell infiltration, particularly CD8+ T cells, CD4+ memory T cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and T follicular helper cells .
IL1RL2 plays crucial roles in host defense against infectious pathogens, particularly at epithelial barriers. Studies using IL1RL2-deficient (Il1rl2-/-) mice have demonstrated the importance of this receptor in controlling enteropathogenic bacterial infections . Following infection with Citrobacter rodentium, Il1rl2-/- mice exhibited significant impairments in IL-22 and antimicrobial peptide expression, increased intestinal damage, and failure to contain bacterial expansion compared to wild-type controls .
The mechanism underlying IL1RL2-mediated protection against enteric pathogens involves the coordinated activation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. IL1RL2 signaling promotes IL-23 production from dendritic cells during the early phase of infection, which subsequently induces IL-22 expression by group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) . In the later phase of infection, IL1RL2 signaling stimulates IL-6 production, driving the differentiation of IL-22-producing CD4+ T cells .
IL1RL2 also contributes to host defense in sepsis. Clinical studies have shown that serum IL-36 levels, which signal through IL1RL2, are significantly elevated in septic patients compared to non-septic controls . Interestingly, non-survivors of sepsis displayed lower serum IL-36 levels compared to survivors, suggesting a protective role for the IL-36/IL1RL2 axis in septic shock . Experimental models confirm this protective function, as IL1RL2-deficient mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) exhibited increased mortality, higher bacterial loads, and more severe multiple organ injury compared to wild-type mice .
IL1RL2 antibodies have emerging applications in clinical diagnostics and potential therapeutic interventions. In the diagnostic realm, immunohistochemistry using IL1RL2 antibodies has demonstrated utility for assessing receptor expression in tissue specimens from patients with various inflammatory conditions and malignancies.
For sepsis, both IL1RL2 ligands and related family members have demonstrated biomarker potential. Serum IL-36 levels on ICU admission were significantly elevated in septic patients compared to controls and associated with disease severity . Similarly, IL1R2 (a related family member) showed utility for sepsis diagnosis and differentiation between gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial infections, outperforming traditional biomarkers such as procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and APACHE II scores .
Therapeutically, antibodies targeting IL1RL2 represent a promising approach for treating inflammatory disorders driven by dysregulated IL-36 signaling. Development of selective IL1RL2 inhibitors, including the anti-IL-36R antibody spesolimab (BI 655130), has shown efficacy in blocking IL-36-mediated inflammation . Crystal structure analysis of the IL1RL2-antibody complex at 2.31 Å resolution has provided valuable insights into the mechanism of inhibition, revealing that the antibody binds to the D1 and D2 domains of IL1RL2, primarily engaging the D1-D2 linker region .
Recent advances in IL1RL2 research have expanded our understanding of this receptor's biological functions and therapeutic potential. The development of genetically engineered mouse models with floxed Il1rl2 loci has enabled tissue-specific deletion of the receptor, revealing distinct expression patterns in barrier tissues . Using mCherry reporter elements, researchers have identified IL1RL2 expression in subepithelial cells of the small intestine and colon, as well as in specific cell populations within the lungs and trachea .
Small molecule inhibitors of IL1RL2 represent another area of active investigation. Co-crystallization studies of compounds with the D1-D2 domains of IL1RL2 (PDB: 9ETI, 9ETH) have provided structural insights into inhibitor binding mechanisms . These studies revealed that inhibitory compounds bind to the concave, cytokine-binding site of IL1RL2, primarily interacting with the D1 domain .
The role of IL1RL2 in cancer biology is an emerging research area with potential therapeutic implications. Beyond bladder cancer, studies have identified IL1RL2 as a regulator of tumor progression in breast, gastric, colorectal, and lung cancers . In lung cancer models, IL1RL2 agonists were found to promote tumor cell proliferation and migration, while in colorectal cancer, elevated IL1RL2 expression was associated with metastatic potential .
Future directions for IL1RL2 antibody research include:
Development of more specific and sensitive antibodies for diagnostic applications
Exploration of therapeutic antibodies targeting IL1RL2 for inflammatory disorders
Investigation of IL1RL2 as an immunomodulatory target in cancer immunotherapy
Elucidation of tissue-specific functions using conditional knockout models
Identification of novel IL1RL2-targeting compounds with improved pharmacological properties
IL1RL2, also known as IL-36R or IL-1Rrp2, is a member of the interleukin-1 receptor family. This protein has gained significant research attention because:
It forms part of a cytokine receptor gene cluster on chromosome 2q12, alongside IL1R1, IL1R2, IL1RL1, and IL18R1
It functions primarily as a mediator of inflammatory responses
It has demonstrated elevated expression in multiple cancer types, including bladder, colorectal, breast, gastric, and lung cancers
It may play a regulatory role in inflammatory bowel diseases, suggesting its importance in intestinal homeostasis
Research on IL1RL2 is particularly valuable because it provides insights into the connection between chronic inflammation and cancer development, with inflammation being recognized as a hallmark of cancer progression .
At least three isoforms of IL1RL2 are known to exist, which presents both challenges and opportunities for specific detection:
Most commercially available antibodies detect all three isoforms, such as those developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific
For isoform-specific detection, examine the epitope region targeted by the antibody - those developed against specific amino acid sequences may offer greater specificity
Western blotting with controls is recommended to verify which isoforms are detected in your experimental system
If different isoforms must be distinguished, consider using antibodies targeting unique regions of each isoform, or employ RT-qPCR with isoform-specific primers as a complementary approach
When validating antibody specificity, research has shown that IL1RL2 antibodies typically do not cross-react with IL-1R or IL-1RL1, providing confidence in target-specific detection .
For proper validation of IL1RL2 antibodies, the following positive controls are recommended based on established research protocols:
Human small intestine tissue lysate has been identified as an effective positive control
BLCA cell lines (bladder cancer) demonstrate higher IL1RL2 mRNA expression compared to SV-HUC-1 cells (normal urothelial cells)
Validation experiments should include both western blotting and RT-qPCR to confirm antibody specificity at both protein and transcript levels
For immunohistochemistry applications, BLCA tissues have shown high IL1RL2 expression compared to adjacent normal tissues, making them suitable positive controls
Research has shown significant upregulation of IL1RL2 protein expression in both cancer cell lines and tissues, providing useful benchmarks for antibody validation .
Optimal conditions vary based on application and specific antibody properties. Based on published protocols and manufacturer recommendations:
It's important to note that optimal dilutions should ultimately be determined by each researcher through titration experiments in their specific experimental system . Buffer composition (PBS, pH 7.3, containing 0.02% sodium azide, 50% glycerol) has been shown to maintain antibody stability and performance .
RT-qPCR serves as a valuable complement to antibody-based detection of IL1RL2. Design considerations include:
Multiple studies have successfully used RT-qPCR to assess IL1RL2 mRNA levels in cell lines and tissues, particularly when examining differential expression between normal and cancer cells
Primer design should target conserved regions across all isoforms for total IL1RL2 expression, or unique regions for isoform-specific detection
The TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database can be used to validate expression patterns observed in experimental systems
Appropriate reference genes must be selected based on the experimental context to ensure accurate normalization
In bladder cancer research, RT-qPCR revealed significantly higher IL1RL2 mRNA expression in tumor cell lines compared to SV-HUC-1 cells, which was subsequently confirmed by western blotting for protein levels .
Beyond antibody-based detection, several complementary approaches have proven effective:
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic engineering to examine loss-of-function phenotypes, as used in studies investigating IL1RL2 deficiency in macrophages and epithelial cells
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) differentiation toward relevant cell types (macrophages, colonic organoids) to study developmental impacts
Co-expression network analysis and functional enrichment to understand biological pathways and functions associated with IL1RL2
Protein-protein interaction networks constructed using interaction gene search tools to identify molecular partners
Analysis of signaling pathway activation (NFκB and MAPK) in response to IL1RL2 modulation
These approaches provide a comprehensive understanding of IL1RL2 function in different cellular contexts and disease states.
Inconsistent antibody performance is a common challenge with IL1RL2 detection. Methodological solutions include:
Verify epitope conservation across species if working with non-human samples, as antibody reactivity varies (e.g., some antibodies react with human and mouse, while others are human-specific)
Optimize protein extraction protocols based on sample type - detergent composition significantly affects membrane protein solubilization
For fixed tissues or cells, test multiple antigen retrieval methods as epitope accessibility may be differentially affected
When switching between applications (e.g., WB to IHC), antibody performance may vary significantly due to differences in protein conformation
Consider post-translational modifications that may mask epitopes in certain tissues or disease states
The observed molecular weight of IL1RL2 (65 kDa) should be consistent across properly prepared samples, serving as a quality control benchmark .
Research on IL1RL2 in cancer contexts suggests:
In bladder cancer, IL1RL2 is highly expressed in tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, as demonstrated through IHC analysis of 17 pairs of samples
This elevated expression correlates with clinical and pathological features, which can be analyzed using tables like those in the bladder cancer study showing relationships with patient variables (age, sex, BMI, smoking status, etc.)
When interpreting expression data, consideration should be given to the three known isoforms and their potentially distinct functions
Co-expression network analysis can help identify genes with expression patterns correlated with IL1RL2, providing insights into affected pathways
The table below from bladder cancer research illustrates how IL1RL2 expression correlates with patient variables:
| Variables | Low IL1RL2 Expression (%) | High IL1RL2 Expression (%) | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age, n (%) | 0.287 | ||
| <65 | 25 (34.7%) | 10 (25.0%) | |
| ≥66 | 47 (65.3%) | 30 (75.0%) | |
| Sex, n (%) | 0.091 | ||
| Male | 63 (87.5%) | 30 (75.0%) | |
| Female | 9 (12.5%) | 10 (25.0%) | |
| Body mass index | 24.83±2.72 | 24.31±3.60 | 0.392 |
| Smoking, n (%) | 0.700 | ||
| Yes | 22 (31.0%) | 11 (27.5%) | |
| No | 49 (69.0%) | 29 (72.5%) |
Such data should be interpreted in the context of sample size, statistical power, and potential confounding factors .
Several factors influence IL1RL2 antibody specificity:
Epitope selection is critical - antibodies targeting different amino acid sequences of IL1RL2 (e.g., AA 1-116, AA 20-118, AA 107-156, AA 257-286) demonstrate variable specificity profiles
Purification methods affect specificity - antibodies purified through protein A columns followed by peptide affinity purification show enhanced specificity
Host species impacts cross-reactivity - rabbit-derived polyclonal antibodies often show broader species reactivity than mouse monoclonals
Validation across multiple techniques (WB, ELISA, IHC) confirms consistent target recognition
To mitigate specificity issues:
Use antibodies with validated specificity through knockout or knockdown controls
Implement competitive binding assays with the immunizing peptide
Compare results across multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of IL1RL2
Verify findings with complementary techniques like RT-qPCR
IL1RL2 antibodies have potential applications in therapeutic research:
In combination therapy models, IL1RL2 targeting could be explored alongside IL-2 administration, similar to approaches in HIV-1 therapy where IL-2 was used in combination with therapeutic immunization
For immunotherapy development, IL1RL2 antibodies can help monitor receptor expression changes in response to treatment
Humanized antibodies against IL1RL2 could be developed for direct therapeutic application, especially in cancers where it shows elevated expression
In inflammatory bowel disease research, where IL1RL2 mutations have been identified as risk factors for very early onset IBD (VEO-IBD), antibodies can help characterize patient-specific expression patterns
Research has shown reduced activation of NFκB and MAPK signaling pathways in patient-derived macrophages with IL1RL2 mutations, suggesting potential therapeutic targets in this pathway .
Advanced approaches to antibody design include:
Biophysics-informed models trained on experimentally selected antibodies can identify distinct binding modes associated with specific ligands
Phage display experiments involving antibody selection against combinations of closely related ligands can generate highly specific variants
Computational prediction and generation of antibody variants not present in initial libraries can create antibodies with tailored specificity profiles
Experimental validation of computationally designed antibodies confirms their ability to discriminate between very similar epitopes
This advanced approach has applications not only in designing antibodies with specific properties but also in mitigating experimental artifacts and biases in selection experiments .
Integration of IL1RL2 antibodies into single-cell technologies:
For single-cell protein profiling, antibodies conjugated with heavy metals or fluorophores can be used in mass cytometry or flow cytometry to examine IL1RL2 expression heterogeneity within tissues
In spatial transcriptomics combined with protein detection, IL1RL2 antibodies can reveal the spatial distribution of the receptor in the tissue microenvironment
For multi-omics approaches, antibody-based sorting of IL1RL2-positive cells followed by RNA-seq or ATAC-seq can reveal transcriptional and epigenetic features associated with IL1RL2 expression
In tumor microenvironment studies, IL1RL2 antibodies can help identify specific cell populations and their interactions in the inflammatory milieu
These applications require highly specific antibodies validated for the particular single-cell technology being employed, with careful attention to background signal and non-specific binding.
Several promising research frontiers await further exploration:
Investigation of IL1RL2's role in the tumor microenvironment and its potential as an immune checkpoint target, given its involvement in inflammatory responses
Development of antibody-drug conjugates targeting IL1RL2 for directed therapy in cancers with high expression
Exploration of IL1RL2's function in intestinal homeostasis, particularly in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases where compound heterozygous mutations have been identified
Use of advanced biophysics-informed models to design antibodies with unprecedented specificity for IL1RL2, enabling more precise targeting
Integration of IL1RL2 antibodies in multi-parameter imaging techniques to understand its spatial distribution in healthy and diseased tissues
The connection between IL1RL2 and both inflammation and cancer suggests untapped potential for therapeutic intervention in multiple disease contexts .
Given that chronic inflammation is recognized as a hallmark of cancer, IL1RL2 research bridges these fields:
IL1RL2's role as a mediator of inflammatory responses and its high expression in multiple cancer types suggests mechanistic connections worth exploring
Antibody-based studies can help delineate how IL1RL2 signaling influences the tumor microenvironment and immune cell infiltration
Investigation of IL1RL2's interaction with its agonists (IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ) in the cancer context could reveal new therapeutic targets
Research on IL1RL2's pro-metastatic effects, as observed in colorectal cancer, could extend to other cancer types
The association between IL1RL2 expression and patient prognosis in multiple cancers suggests its value as a biomarker for inflammation-driven cancer progression