Description
Description: Interleukin 24 (IL-24) is a cytokine belonging to the IL-10 family of cytokines that signals through two heterodimeric receptors: IL-20R1/IL-20R2 and IL-22R1/IL-20R2. This interleukin is also known as Melanoma differentiation-associated 7 (mda-7) due to its discovery as a tumour suppressing protein. By radiation hybrid analysis, the MDA7 gene is mapped to 1q32.2-q41. IL-24 appears to control in cell survival and proliferation by inducing rapid activation of particular transcription factors called Stat-1 and Stat-3. Mouse IL24 was expressed as an approximately 35-kD protein that was converted to a 23-kD protein by deglycosylation. The IL24 protein shares 24 to 33% homology with other members of the IL10 family of cytokines, with highest homology with IL20. This cytokine is predominantly released by activated monocytes, macrophages and T helper 2 (Th2) cells and acts on non-haematopoietic tissues such as skin, lung and reproductive tissues. IL-24 performs important roles in wound healing, psoriasis and cancer.
Protein Function: Has antiproliferative properties on melanoma cells and may contribute to terminal cell differentiation