IL-20 is a member of the IL-10 family of cytokines that has been shown to be upregulated in psoriatic skin. The receptor for IL-20 (IL-20R) exists as a dimer consisting of IL-20R(alpha) and IL-20R(beta). IL-20R also functions as a receptor for IL-19, IL-24 and IL-26. It is highly expressed in skin, brain and testis. IL-20, IL-20R(alpha) and IL-20R(beta) all have higher expression levels in psoriatic lesional (LS) skin than in nonlesional (NL) skin, suggesting a role for these proteins as potential therapeutic targets. IL-20 can induce signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) activation through IL-20R.