EBI3

Epstein-Barr virus induced gene 3, also known as interleukin-27 subunit beta or IL-27B, is a is_associated_with::protein which in humans is encoded by the EBI3 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
This gene was identified by the induction of its expression in is_associated_with::B lymphocytes by is_associated_with::Epstein-Barr virus infection. The protein encoded by this gene is a secreted is_associated_with::glycoprotein, which is a member of the hematopoietin receptor family related to the p40 subunit of interleukin 12 (IL-12). It plays a role in regulating cell-mediated immune responses.

EBI3 is a subunit in 2 distinct heterodimeric is_associated_with::cytokines: interleukin-27 (IL27) and IL35. IL27 is composed of p28 (IL27) and EBI3. IL27 can trigger signaling in is_associated_with::T cells, is_associated_with::B cells, and is_associated_with::myeloid cells. IL35, an inhibitory cytokine involved in regulatory T-cell function, is composed of EBI3 and the p35 subunit of IL12.