Title: Interleukin-4
Additional Names: B-cell growth factor; BCGF-1; B-cell stimulatory factor-1; BSF-1; IL-4
Literature References: Pleiotropic cytokine produced primarily by activated T-cells; also produced by mast cells and basophils. Directs the immune response toward humoral immunity and mediates the allergic response. Enhances the development of TH2 helper cells; regulates the B-cell immunoglobulin class switch to IgE and IgG4. Also promotes mast cell development and eosinophil adherence. Exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages and monocytes. Mature human IL-4 is a glycoprotein containing 129 amino acids; mol wt ~20 kDa. Identification as a growth factor for B-cells: M. Howard et al., J. Exp. Med. 155, 914 (1982). Initial characterization: J. J. Farrar et al., J. Immunol. 131, 1838 (1983). Review of molecular characterization and function of IL-4 and its receptor: W. E. Paul, Blood 77, 1859-1870 (1991); R. K. Puri, Cancer Treat. Res. 80, 143-185 (1995). Inhibitory role in hematopoiesis and therapeutic potential in hematologic malignancies: K. Akashi, Leuk. Lymphoma 9, 205 (1993). Mechanism of antitumor activity: R. I. Tepper, J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 94, 1225 (1994). Clinical evaluation with IL-2 in malignancy: T. Olencki et al., J. Immunother. 19, 69 (1996). Review of role in asthma: M. Wills-Karp et al., Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 409, 343-347 (1996); in allergy: J. J. Ryan, J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 99, 1-5 (1997). |