Interleukin 4: Difference between revisions
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Interleukin 4}} | |||
== | == Interleukin 4 == | ||
IL-4 | [[File:PDB_1itm_EBI.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Structure of Interleukin 4]] | ||
'''Interleukin 4''' (IL-4) is a [[cytokine]] that plays a crucial role in the [[immune system]]. It is primarily produced by activated [[T cells]], specifically [[T helper 2 cells]], as well as by [[mast cells]], [[basophils]], and [[eosinophils]]. IL-4 is a key regulator in [[humoral immunity]] and is involved in the differentiation of naive [[T helper cells]] (Th0 cells) into Th2 cells. | |||
==Function== | == Function == | ||
IL-4 | IL-4 is essential for the [[class switching]] of [[B cells]] to produce [[IgE]] and [[IgG1]] antibodies. It also promotes the growth and differentiation of [[B cells]] and [[T cells]]. IL-4 acts as a [[growth factor]] for [[B cells]] and [[T cells]], and it enhances the expression of [[MHC class II]] molecules on [[antigen-presenting cells]]. | ||
== | == Mechanism of Action == | ||
IL-4 | IL-4 exerts its effects by binding to the [[interleukin 4 receptor]] (IL-4R), which is expressed on the surface of various immune cells. The IL-4 receptor is a type I [[cytokine receptor]] that consists of the IL-4R_ chain and the common gamma chain (_c). Upon binding to its receptor, IL-4 activates the [[JAK-STAT signaling pathway]], leading to the transcription of specific genes involved in immune response regulation. | ||
== | == Role in Disease == | ||
IL-4 is implicated in the pathogenesis of [[allergic diseases]] such as [[asthma]], [[allergic rhinitis]], and [[atopic dermatitis]]. It is responsible for the [[IgE]]-mediated hypersensitivity reactions seen in these conditions. Elevated levels of IL-4 are often found in patients with these allergic disorders. | |||
== | == Therapeutic Target == | ||
Due to its role in allergic diseases, IL-4 is a target for therapeutic intervention. [[Monoclonal antibodies]] that inhibit IL-4 or its receptor are being developed and used to treat conditions like [[asthma]] and [[atopic dermatitis]]. These therapies aim to reduce the inflammatory response mediated by IL-4. | |||
== Related pages == | |||
* [[Cytokine]] | |||
* [[T helper cell]] | |||
* [[Immune system]] | |||
* [[Allergy]] | |||
* [[Asthma]] | |||
[[Category:Immunology]] | |||
[[Category:Cytokines]] | [[Category:Cytokines]] | ||
Latest revision as of 10:52, 15 February 2025
Interleukin 4[edit]
Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is primarily produced by activated T cells, specifically T helper 2 cells, as well as by mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils. IL-4 is a key regulator in humoral immunity and is involved in the differentiation of naive T helper cells (Th0 cells) into Th2 cells.
Function[edit]
IL-4 is essential for the class switching of B cells to produce IgE and IgG1 antibodies. It also promotes the growth and differentiation of B cells and T cells. IL-4 acts as a growth factor for B cells and T cells, and it enhances the expression of MHC class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells.
Mechanism of Action[edit]
IL-4 exerts its effects by binding to the interleukin 4 receptor (IL-4R), which is expressed on the surface of various immune cells. The IL-4 receptor is a type I cytokine receptor that consists of the IL-4R_ chain and the common gamma chain (_c). Upon binding to its receptor, IL-4 activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, leading to the transcription of specific genes involved in immune response regulation.
Role in Disease[edit]
IL-4 is implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. It is responsible for the IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions seen in these conditions. Elevated levels of IL-4 are often found in patients with these allergic disorders.
Therapeutic Target[edit]
Due to its role in allergic diseases, IL-4 is a target for therapeutic intervention. Monoclonal antibodies that inhibit IL-4 or its receptor are being developed and used to treat conditions like asthma and atopic dermatitis. These therapies aim to reduce the inflammatory response mediated by IL-4.
