Il3ra, also known as CD123, is the alpha subunit of the interleukin 3 (IL-3) receptor. It plays a crucial role in regulating the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. The IL-3/IL3RA signaling pathway is involved in multiple biological processes, especially those related to the immune system [3].

In B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the EP300-ZNF384 fusion gene transactivates IL3RA, promoting cell proliferation. Conditional knockdown of IL3RA in EP300-ZF384-positive cells inhibits in vitro proliferation and increases the overall survival of mice, indicating its role in leukemia cell propagation [1].

In multiple sclerosis, CNS-resident astrocytes and infiltrating CD44hiCD4+ T cells generate IL-3, while microglia and recruited myeloid cells express IL-3Rɑ (encoded by IL3RA). IL-3 from astrocytes and T cells elicits an immune migratory and chemotactic program in IL3RA-expressing myeloid cells, exacerbating the disease [2].

In a Han Chinese family with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), a novel nonsense mutation in IL3RA was found. Knockdown of IL3RA in human chondrocytes led to a reduction in collagen content, increased expression of MMP-1,-3, and-10, and decreased EsRb expression, speculating its role in accelerating intervertebral disk degeneration and promoting LSS, especially in females [4].

In conclusion, Il3ra is essential for the regulation of hematopoietic cell functions and is involved in multiple disease conditions such as leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and lumbar spinal stenosis. Studies using gene knockdown or conditional knockout models in mice or cells have revealed its role in disease-related biological processes, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets for these diseases.