Interleukin-31 mediates MAP kinase and STAT1/3 activation in intestinal epithelial cells and its expression is up-regulated in inflammatory bowel disease

Background/Aim: Interleukin-31 (IL-31), primarily expressed in activated lymphocytes, signals through a heterodimeric receptor complex consisting of the IL-31 receptor alpha (IL-31Ra) and the oncostatin M receptor (OSMR). Aim of this study was to analyze IL-31 receptor expression, signal transduction and specific biological functions of this cytokine system in intestinal inflammation. Methods: Expression studies were performed by RT-PCR, quantitative PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Signal transduction was analyzed by Western blotting. Cell proliferation was measured by MTS assays, cell migration…