This gene encodes a member of the class II cytokine receptor family. The encoded soluble protein specifically binds to and inhibits interleukin 22 activity by blocking the interaction of interleukin 22 with its cell surface receptor. The encoded protein may be important in the regulation of inflammatory response, and has been implicated in the regulation of tumorigenesis in the colon. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms.