The protein encoded by the IL22 RA2 gene is a soluble class II cytokine receptor. This protein has been shown to specificallybind to interleukin 22 (IL22), block the interaction of IL22 with its cell surface receptor, and thus inhibit IL22activity. This protein functions as an IL22 antagonist, and may be important in the regulation of inflammatoryresponse. Three alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been described. (provided byRefSeq)