mbIL6Ralpha

mbIL6Ralpha refers to the membrane-bound form of the interleukin-6 receptor alpha subunit. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, immune response, and hematopoiesis. The IL-6 receptor system is composed of two subunits: the IL-6 receptor alpha subunit (IL6Rα) and the signal transducer glycoprotein 130 (gp130).

IL6Rα exists in two forms: a soluble form (sIL6Rα) and a membrane-bound form (mbIL6Ralpha). The membrane-bound form is expressed on the surface of certain cell types, primarily hepatocytes and some immune cells, and it acts as a high-affinity binding site for IL-6. Upon binding of IL-6 to mbIL6Ralpha, a complex is formed that then recruits gp130. This interaction triggers intracellular signaling pathways, such as the JAK/STAT pathway, leading to a cascade of cellular responses. The signaling initiated through mbIL6Ralpha is often referred to as the "classical" or "trans-signaling" pathway. Understanding the role and regulation of mbIL6Ralpha is important in the context of inflammatory diseases and cancer, where IL-6 signaling is dysregulated. Research is ongoing to explore therapeutic strategies targeting this receptor system.