The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the class II cytokine receptor family, and has been shown to be a receptor for interleukin 22 (IL22). IL22 receptor is a protein complex that consists of this protein and interleukin 10 receptor, beta (IL10RB/CRFB4), a subunit also shared by the receptor complex for interleukin 10 (IL10). This gene and interleukin 28 receptor, alpha (IL28RA) form a cytokine receptor gene cluster in the chromosomal region 1p36.
Bleicher L, de Moura PR, Watanabe L, Colau D, Dumoutier L, Renauld JC, Polikarpov I (September 2008). "Crystal structure of the IL-22/IL-22R1 complex and its implications for the IL-22 signaling mechanism". FEBS Letters. 582 (20): 2985–92. doi:10.1016/j.febslet.2008.07.046. PMID18675809. S2CID20952148.
Wu PW, Li J, Kodangattil SR, Luxenberg DP, Bennett F, Martino M, Collins M, Dunussi-Joannopoulos K, Gill DS, Wolfman NM, Fouser LA (October 2008). "IL-22R, IL-10R2, and IL-22BP binding sites are topologically juxtaposed on adjacent and overlapping surfaces of IL-22". Journal of Molecular Biology. 382 (5): 1168–83. doi:10.1016/j.jmb.2008.07.046. PMID18675824.