Interleukin 31 (IL-31), a four-helix bundle inflammatory cytokine, belongs to the IL-6 cytokine family. IL-31 signals through a heterodimer composed of IL-31RA and the oncostatin-M receptor (OSMR). Signaling through the GPL/OSMR complex activates the JAK/STAT, RAS/ERK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, resulting in the downstream activation of STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5 transcription factors. IL-31 responses have been associated with allergic responses and inflammatory skin diseases including atopic dermatitis.
