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Interleukin 36 receptor antagonist
The IL36RN gene provides instructions for making a protein called interleukin 36 receptor antagonist (IL-36Ra). This protein is primarily found in the skin where it helps regulate inflammation, part of the body's early immune response. Inflammation in the skin is stimulated when other proteins called IL-36 alpha (α), IL-36 beta (β), or IL-36 gamma (γ) attach to (bind) a specific receptor protein. This binding turns on (activates) signaling pathways that promote inflammation, namely the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. To control inflammatory reactions, the IL-36Ra protein binds to the receptor protein so that IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ cannot. In this way, the IL-36Ra protein blocks (antagonizes) the receptor's activity.
More than a dozen IL36RN gene mutations have been found to increase susceptibility to a serious skin disorder called generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). Individuals with this condition have repeated episodes in which large areas of skin become red and inflamed and develop small pus-filled blisters (pustules). The skin problems can be accompanied by fever and other signs of inflammation throughout the body (systemic inflammation). The episodes are thought to be triggered by infections, certain medications, menstruation, pregnancy, or other stresses on the body.
The IL36RN gene mutations associated with GPP reduce the amount of IL-36Ra protein in the skin or eliminate it altogether. Without control by IL-36Ra, signaling pathways that promote inflammation are overly active, resulting in uncontrolled inflammation, particularly in the skin.
IL36RN gene mutations increase the risk of developing GPP. Not everyone with mutations in this gene has the characteristic problems with inflammation. This complex condition is thought to arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
IL36RN gene mutations are also associated with other inflammatory skin conditions that involve pustule formation. Like GPP (described above), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), is characterized by a rash and pustules over a large area of the body, typically triggered by antibiotics or other medications. (Certain features of the inflamed skin differentiate AGEP and GPP.) Other IL36RN-associated conditions are classified as forms of localized pustular psoriasis because the blisters are found in limited regions of the body. For example, palmoplantar pustulosis affects the hands and feet, and acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau affects the tips of the fingers and toes. It is unclear how mutations in the same gene cause these different conditions.
IL36RN gene mutations have been found in individuals with a condition called geographic tongue, in which the top and sides of the tongue have irregular patches that resemble a map. The patches are not linked to infections or other health problems. Some people with GPP have geographic tongue, but the abnormality can also occur without features of other conditions.
FIL1
FIL1(DELTA)
FIL1D
IL-1 related protein 3
IL-1F5
IL-36Ra
IL1F5
IL1HY1
IL1L1
IL1RP3
IL36RA
interleukin 1 family, member 5 (delta)
interleukin-1 HY1
interleukin-1 receptor antagonist homolog 1
interleukin-1-like protein 1
interleukin-36 receptor antagonist protein
MGC29840
PSORP
PSORS14