IL-13 signal transduction in human monocytes: phosphorylation of receptor components, association with Jaks, and phosphorylation/activation of Stats

Abstract

Abstract Interleukin (IL)-13 regulates monocyte function and is a potent stimulator of 15-lipoxygenase expression. In different cell types, the functional IL-13 receptor complex can be comprised of variable protein components and has not been thoroughly examined in human monocytes. Here, we identify the receptor components and upstream signaling events initiated by IL-13 in primary human blood monocytes. Th expression, phosphorylation and associated Jak kinases of the known, variable receptor components, IL-4Rα, IL-2Rγc, IL-13Rα1 and IL-13Rα2, were examined. We determined that IL-4Rα and IL13Rα1 are phosphorylated upon exposure to IL-13. Although IL-2Rγc is also expressed, it is not phosphorylated upon exposure to IL-13. Evaluation of the presence of IL-13Rα2 failed to reveal significant mRNA or protein expression. Earlier, our laboratory showed that IL-13 induced the phosphorylation of Jak2 and Tyk2 in monocytes and that expression of both Jaks was essential for downstream signaling by IL-13. Here, we report that Jak2 is associated with IL-4Rα, and Tyk2 is associated with the IL-13Rα1 component of the IL-13 receptor complex. Additionally, Stat proteins 1α, 3, 5A, 5B, and 6 are phosphorylated in response to IL-13. Further, the nuclear translocation and DNA binding of each of these Stats were induced by IL-13. These data represent the first complete report of the functional IL-13 receptor complex and early signaling events in human monocytes. This information is critical for understanding the IL-13 response of monocytes in inflammation.