Interleukin

IL superfamily, a member of larger group cytokines, is consisting of proteins called interleukins and interleukin receptors. IL superfamily members involve with variety of processes, including immunity, inflammation, and the formation of blood cells. IL superfamily members promote the growth of immune system cells and help regulate the immune system. The subfamilies of IL superfamily include IL-1 subfamily, IL-6 subfamily, IL-10 subfamily, IL-12 subfamily, IL-17 subfamily and other interleukins or receptors. Till now, 43 different IL family members have been identified according to HGNC. Most interleukins are named with "IL" followed by one or more numbers and letters (for example, IL12B) so that interleukin receptors have similar names. What’s more, they are also followed with "R" to show that they are receptor proteins (such as IL36RN).