Interleukin-24 (IL-24, also known as melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7) belongs to the family of IL-10-related cytokines, which includes IL-10, -19, -20, -22, -24 and -26. Interleukin 24 signals through two heterodimeric receptors: IL-20R1/IL-20R2 and IL-22R1/IL-20R2. Upon binding to its receptors, IL-24 induces rapid activation of Stat-1 and Stat-3 transcription factors, which appear to play a role in cell survival and proliferation . Structurally and functionally, IL-24 is highly conserved across species.IL-24 has been shown to possess cancer-specific apoptosis-inducing activity, and has therefore been suggested as a potential anti-cancer agent.