Role of the β common (βc) family of cytokines in health and disease

Timothy R. Hercus, Winnie L.T. Kan, Sophie E. Broughton, Denis Tvorogov, Hayley S. Ramshaw, Jarrod J. Sandow, Tracy L. Nero, Urmi Dhagat, Emma J. Thompson, Karen S.Cheung Tung Shing, Duncan R. McKenzie, Nicholas J. Wilson, Catherine M. Owczarek, Gino Vairo, Andrew D. Nash, Vinay Tergaonkar, Timothy Hughes, Paul G. Ekert, Michael S. Samuel, Claudine S. BonderMichele A. Grimbaldeston, Michael W. Parker, Angel F. Lopez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The b common ([βc]/CD131) family of cytokines comprises granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-3, and IL-5, all of which use bc as their key signaling receptor subunit. This is a prototypic signaling subunit-sharing cytokine family that has unveiled many biological paradigms and structural principles applicable to the IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 receptor families, all of which also share one or more signaling subunits. Originally identified for their functions in the hematopoietic system, the bc cytokines are now known to be truly pleiotropic, impacting on multiple cell types, organs, and biological systems, and thereby controlling the balance between health and disease. This review will focus on the emerging biological roles for the bc cytokines, our progress toward understanding the mechanisms of receptor assembly and signaling, and the application of this knowledge to develop exciting new therapeutic approaches against human disease.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbera028514
JournalCold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
Volume10
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Jun 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

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