Human Interleukin 36 Alpha (IL36A) Protein

Background

IL36A, a member of the IL-1 family, is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that signals through the IL36 receptor (IL1RL2) and IL1RAP to activate downstream NF-κB, JNK, and MAPK pathways. IL36A is primarily expressed in epithelial cells, keratinocytes, and immune cells, where it plays a pivotal role in skin and mucosal immunity. It drives the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides, enhancing immune cell recruitment and tissue defense against infections and injury. IL36A is essential in amplifying innate and adaptive immune responses, particularly in barrier tissues such as the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Dysregulation of IL36A is strongly associated with inflammatory skin disorders, including psoriasis, where excessive IL36 signaling exacerbates inflammation and keratinocyte proliferation. It is also implicated in inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Knockout studies reveal reduced inflammatory responses, impaired epithelial immunity, and defective immune cell recruitment, emphasizing IL36A’s critical role in tissue-specific immunity, inflammation amplification, and barrier function maintenance.