IL-28 R alpha (Interleukin-28 receptor subunit alpha) also known as IFNLR1 (IFN-lambda receptor 1), it heterodimerizes with another subunit, IL-10RB, to form a type II cytokine receptor ,which binds IL-28A, IL-28B and IL-29. These ligands, which are distantly related to class I in terferons, are activated upon viral infection and trigger the JAK-STAT signaling pathway to exert antiviral activity. The ligand/receptor complex stimulate the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway leading to the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISG), which contribute to the antiviral state. Determines the cell type specificity of the lambda interferon action. Shows a more restricted pattern of expression in the epithelial tissues thereby limiting responses to lambda interferons primarily to epithelial cells of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts.
