This gene encodes a cytokine distantly related to type I interferons and the IL-10 family. This gene, interleukin 28A (IL28A), and interleukin 28B (IL28B) are three closely related cytokine genes that form a cytokine gene cluster on a chromosomal region mapped to 19q13. Expression of the cytokines encoded by the three genes can be induced by viral infection. All three cytokines have been shown to interact with a heterodimeric class II cytokine receptor that consists of interleukin 10 receptor, beta (IL10RB) and interleukin 28 receptor, alpha (IL28RA). [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
Function: Cytokine with immunomodulatory activity. May play a role in antiviral immunity. Up-regulates MHC class I antigen expression. Ligand for the heterodimeric class II cytokine receptor composed of IL10RB and IL28RA. The ligand/receptor complex seems to signal through the Jak-STAT pathway.