sIL4R

sIL4R refers to soluble Interleukin-4 Receptor. It is a truncated form of the membrane-bound Interleukin-4 Receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) chain, which is shed from the surface of cells. This soluble receptor can be found in blood and other bodily fluids. The primary function of the IL-4Rα chain is to bind to Interleukin-4 (IL-4), a cytokine crucial for regulating immune responses, particularly the differentiation of T helper cells and B cell activation.

The presence of sIL4R in circulation suggests it may play a role in modulating IL-4 signaling. It is hypothesized that sIL4R can act as a decoy receptor, binding to IL-4 and preventing it from interacting with its membrane-bound counterpart. This could potentially dampen the biological effects of IL-4. sIL4R has been detected in various physiological and pathological conditions, including allergic diseases, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers. Its levels have been observed to correlate with disease activity and severity in some of these contexts. Research into sIL4R is ongoing to fully elucidate its biological functions and its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target.