Description: The human IL-31 ELISA is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantitative detection of human IL-31. The human IL-31 ELISA is for research use only. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
IL-31 is a 24kD and 164 AA alpha-helical protein with a four-helix bundle structure, preferentially produced by CD 4+ type 2 helper T cells. IL-31 is closely related to the IL-6 type cytokines such as oncostatin M, Leukemia inhibitory factor and cardiotrophin 1. IL-31 signals via binding to a heterodimeric complex that is composed of IL-31 receptor A (IL-31RA) that is highly homologous with the gp 30-like receptor and oncostatin M receptor subunits.
These receptor subunits are expressed in activated monocytes, in epithelial cells, and keratinocytes respectively.
On target cells IL-31 binding can induce activation of the JAK/STAT, AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. Due to the ubiquitous expression of its receptor complex, IL-31 has numerous physiological roles including regulation of hematopoiesis and immune response.
When overexpressed in transgenic mice, IL-31 induces severe pruritus resembling eczema in humans. Serum IL-31 was previously found overexpressed in adults with atopic dermatitis (AD). Serum measurement of IL-31 in paediatric atopic dermatitis revealed that elevated levels correlate with severity scoring. Activated effector T cells are recruited to the skin by chemokines and cell adhesion molecules. These components in the local microenvironment prolong T cell survival and contribute to the chronicity of these diseases.
IL-31 is associated with the promotion of allergic and chronic inflammatory conditions such as dermatitis, pruritus, airway hypersensititvity and inflammatory bowel disease.
