The IL23R gene (IL23R stands for: Interleukin 23 Receptor) is a protein coding gene located on chromosome 1p31.3. The protein encoded by this gene is a subunit of the receptor for its ligand IL23A/IL23. This receptor protein associates with IL12RB1 to form the complexx heteromeric interleukin 23 receptor. Furthermore, the receptor protein associates with Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and also binds to the transcriptional activator STAT3 in a ligand-dependent manner.
The activated heteromeric IL23 receptor mediates stimulation of T cells, NK cells, and possibly certain macrophages likely through activation of the Jak-Stat signaling cascade.
IL23 plays a role in innate and adaptive immunity and may be involved in the acute response to infection in peripheral tissues. IL23 may be responsible for autoimmune inflammatory diseases and play an important role in tumorigenesis.
Diseases associated with IL23R include inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease/ulcerative colitis), spondylarthritis, and psoriasis (Duerr RH et al. 2006).