Description
IL-19 shares 21% amino acid identity with IL-10. The exon/intron structure of IL-19 is similar to that of the human IL-10 gene, comprising five exons and four introns within the coding region of the IL-19 cDNA. IL-19 does not bind or signal through the canonical IL-10 receptor complex. IL-19 functions through a receptor complex composed of IL-20Ra and IL20Rb that is also utilized by IL-20 and IL-24. IL19 has been shown to enhance the production of Th2 cytokines in Tcells and to be elevated in asthma patients. Furthermore, it induces IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 expression in monocytes. Additionally, it has been implicated in a range of diseases and disorders, including aging, Type-I diabetes, endotoxic shock, periodontal disease, vascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis.