IL4

GeneName

IL4

Summary

IL4, also known as interleukin 4, is a 17 kDa cytokine that is secreted into the extracellular space. It plays a pivotal role in the immune system, particularly in promoting B cell differentiation and T-helper 2 (Th2) cell responses. IL4 binds to the interleukin-4 receptor and activates the JAK-STAT signalling pathway, influencing various immune processes such as macrophage activation and dendritic cell differentiation. It is involved in the regulation of several biological processes, including cholesterol metabolism, inflammatory responses, and the negative regulation of apoptosis. Its expression is crucial in the context of type 2 immune responses and is associated with the production of other cytokines like interleukin-10 and interleukin-13.

Importance

IL4 is relevant to: - Understanding allergic responses and asthma through its role in Th2 cell differentiation and IgE production - Investigating autoimmune diseases as it modulates immune responses and inflammation - Exploring therapeutic strategies for cancer, particularly in the context of immune evasion and tumour microenvironments - Studying metabolic disorders due to its involvement in cholesterol metabolism and energy regulation

Top Products

For researchers investigating IL4, we recommend the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-IL-4 antibody (ab9622). This antibody is particularly noted for its performance in Western blotting (WB) and has garnered 39 citations, reflecting its reliability and trust within the research community. This product is an excellent choice for those looking to study IL4 with confidence in their results. The Recombinant dog IL-4 protein (Active) ELISA Kit (ab233676) is an excellent option for researchers looking to measure IL-4 levels in canine samples.

Abcam Product Citation Summary

The data indicates that IL4 is being studied in various contexts, particularly in relation to human health and disease. The use of antibodies in studies involving endothelial cells, neutrophils, and lung cancer patients highlights the importance of IL4 in immune responses and inflammation. Additionally, the detection of IL4 in mouse models suggests its relevance in neuroinflammation and astrogliosis.

Abcam Product Citation Table

Function

Cytokine secreted primarily by mast cells, T-cells, eosinophils, and basophils that plays a role in regulating antibody production, hematopoiesis and inflammation, and the development of effector T-cell responses (PubMed:1993171, PubMed:3016727). Induces the expression of class II MHC molecules on resting B-cells. Enhances both secretion and cell surface expression of IgE and IgG1 (PubMed:1993171). Regulates also the expression of the low affinity Fc receptor for IgE (CD23) on both lymphocytes and monocytes (PubMed:2521231). Positively regulates IL31RA expression in macrophages. Stimulates autophagy in dendritic cells by interfering with mTORC1 signaling and through the induction of RUFY4. In addition, plays a critical role in higher functions of the normal brain, such as memory and learning (By similarity). Upon binding to IL4, IL4R receptor dimerizes either with the common IL2R gamma chain/IL2RG to produce the type 1 signaling complex, located mainly on hematopoietic cells, or with the IL13RA1 to produce the type 2 complex, which is expressed also on nonhematopoietic cells (PubMed:10219247, PubMed:11526337, PubMed:18243101). Engagement of both types of receptors initiates JAK3 and to a lower extend JAK1 phosphorylation leading to activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6/STAT6 (PubMed:7721895).

Involvement in disease

Ischemic stroke

ISCHSTR

A stroke is an acute neurologic event leading to death of neural tissue of the brain and resulting in loss of motor, sensory and/or cognitive function. Ischemic strokes, resulting from vascular occlusion, is considered to be a highly complex disease consisting of a group of heterogeneous disorders with multiple genetic and environmental risk factors.

None

Disease susceptibility is associated with variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Sequence Similarities

Belongs to the IL-4/IL-13 family.

Cellular localization

• Secreted

Alternative names

Interleukin-4, IL-4, B-cell stimulatory factor 1, Binetrakin, Lymphocyte stimulatory factor 1, Pitrakinra, BSF-1, IL4

Database links

swissprot:P05112 omim:147780 entrezGene:3565

Other research areas

• Immuno-oncology