Cytokine receptors

Cytokines are secreted soluble peptides that regulate multiple cellular functions.  A feature of some cytokines which allows them to be distinguished from hormones, is that they may be produced by non-secretory cells such as endothelial cells.  Cytokine receptors are a large family of receptors that are grouped into six categories: Type I, Type II, the immunoglobulin superfamily, the tumour necrosis factor family, chemokine receptors and the TGF-β receptor family.

Type I cytokine receptors include interleukin receptors, colony stimulating factor receptors, growth hormone receptors and are linked to JAK tyrosine kinases.  Type II cytokine receptors include interferon receptors and are also linked to JAK tyrosine kinases.  Immunoglobulin superfamily receptors are also classed as cell adhesion molecules,  family members include the IL-1 and IL-18 receptors.  The tumour necrosis factor family are also known as death receptors as they have a role in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway.  Chemokine receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors that have a role in innate and adaptive immunity.  TGF-β receptors are serine/threonine kinase-coupled receptors with a role in the regulation of cellular processes, including cell division, differentiation, motility, adhesion and death.  Many chronic inflammatory diseases and a number of haematological malignancies are driven by deregulated cytokine receptor signaling.

Further reading

Bagley et al (1997) The structural and functional basis of cytokine receptor activation: lessons from the common beta subunit of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-3 (IL-3), and IL-5 receptors. Blood 89(5) 1471 PMID: 9057626

Lopez et al (2010) Molecular basis of cytokine receptor activation. IUBMB Life 62(7) 509 PMID: 20540154

Alexander et al (2019) The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2019/20: Catalytic receptors. Br J Pharmacol. 176 Suppl 1 S247 https://www.guidetopharmacology.org/GRAC/FamilyDisplayForward?familyId=301