This product is an unconjugated, non-therapeutic recombinant analog of nemolizumab, supplied for research use only and built around the interleukin-31 receptor subunit alpha (IL-31RA) target. It is a human IgG-format antibody that binds IL-31RA and blocks IL-31 engagement of its receptor, reproducing the target specificity of the originator biologic without being the clinical drug; it is not intended for human or veterinary use. The analog is useful as a defined, reproducible reagent for functional and preclinical research: as a blocking tool to interrogate IL-31/IL-31RA signaling, as an isotype-matched or pathway-specific positive control in binding and neutralization assays, as a benchmarking standard when characterizing new anti-IL-31RA candidates, and as a comparator in ADCC or antibody-engineering workflows. It is manufactured to research-grade low-endotoxin specifications (typically less than 1 EU/mg, with ultra-low-endotoxin lots at less than 0.5 EU/mg) suitable for sensitive cell-based work, and is available in bulk milligram-to-gram quantities to support assay development, screening campaigns, and in-vitro model systems.
IL-31 receptor subunit alpha (IL-31RA; gene IL31RA, UniProt Q8NI17; also called CRL3/GPL) is a membrane-bound, signal-transducing subunit of the IL-31 receptor complex. It pairs with the oncostatin M receptor beta (OSMR) to form the functional heterodimeric receptor for IL-31, a type 2 cytokine produced largely by Th2 cells. IL-31 binding to IL-31RA/OSMR activates JAK1 and JAK2, driving phosphorylation of STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5B, and also engages the MAPK (ERK1/ERK2) pathway via the adapter SHC1. IL-31RA is expressed on sensory neurons, keratinocytes, and immune cells, positioning it at the neuroimmune interface. This axis is a central driver of pruritus (itch), skin inflammation, epidermal dysregulation, and barrier dysfunction, making IL-31RA a key target in atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis research.