Human IL19

Human Interleukin 19 (IL-19) is a member of the IL-10 family of related cytokines. Its gene contains two alternate translation initiation sites, generating precursors of215 amino acids (aa) and 177 aa, respectively. Both isoforms are processed to 17 kDa, 153 aa mature molecules. IL-19 contains seven helices and is secreted as a35 kDa monomer. There are two potential N-linked glycosylation sites, and it is likely that the molecule is glycosylated. Mature human IL-19 shares 69% aa sequenceidentity with the mature mouse homologue. Although mouse IL-19 is active on human cells, human IL-19 is not active on mouse cells. IL-19 expression is limited toactivated keratinocytes and monocytes. IL-19 binds a receptor complex consisting of the IL-20 receptor alpha (IL-20 R_, also known as IL-20 R1) and the IL-20receptor beta (IL-20 R_ or IL-20 R2). This receptor complex is also shared by IL-20 and IL-24. Functionally, IL-19 induces IL-6 and TNF-_ production by monocytes,and drives T-helper cell differentiation towards a Th2 response.