The protein encoded by this gene is a type I transmembrane protein that belongs to the hemopoietin receptor superfamily. This protein binds to interleukine 12 (IL12) with a low affinity, and is thought to be a part of IL12 receptor complex. This protein forms a disulfide-linked oligomer, which is required for its IL12 binding activity. The coexpression of this and IL12RB2 proteins was shown to lead to the formation of high-affinity IL12 binding sites and reconstitution of IL12 dependent signaling. The lack of expression of this gene was found to result in the immunodeficiency of patients with severe mycobacterial and Salmonella infections. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene encoding distinct isoforms have been reported.