Interleukin-4

Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a type II cytokine produced by CD4+ T-cell helper type 2 (TH2) cells, natural killer T cells, mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, and ILC2 (innate lymphocyte type two cells). IL-4 signals through the IL-4 receptors: type I is a heterodimer with ?c and IL-4Ra and type II is a heterodimer with IL-4Ra and IL-13Ra1. IL-4 is a potent differentiator of na?ve CD4+ T cells into the TH2 lineage, induces production of IL-5, drives IgE class production in B cells, induces mast cell activation and subsequent production of IL-13, promotes eosinophilic inflammation, and is involved in maturation of macrophages, fibroblasts, epithelial and endothelial cells. As such, IL-4 plays a critical role in induction of TH2 related diseases such as allergies (e.g. asthma, food allergies, atopic dermatitis), neurological diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis), and periodontitis (through TH2 enhancement). Since IL-4 drives IL-5 and IL-13 production, blocking IL-4 may inhibit most TH2 responses. There are current anti-IL-4 therapies being investigated in multiple clinical trials: pasolizumab (humanized anti-IL4 monoclonal antibody), pitrakinra (a type II IL-4 receptor antagonist) and dupilumab (monoclonal antibody blocker of the type II IL-4 receptor).

Swiss-Prot Accession Number: P05112