Description

Human Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a pleiotropic cytokine composed of 129 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 15 kDa. Structurally, it adopts a four-alpha-helix bundle, characteristic of cytokines in its family. IL-4 plays a crucial role in modulating immune responses, particularly by driving the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into T helper type 2 (Th2) cells. This differentiation is a key step in shaping the immune system’s response toward humoral (antibody-mediated) immunity.

IL-4 interacts with IL-4Rα and IL-13Rα1, activating the JAK-STAT6 pathway. This pathway is critical for the transcription of genes involved in Th2 cell development and the production of cytokines like IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, which collectively drive allergic inflammation.

Key Features

1. Immune Differentiation: IL-4 is a primary driver in the differentiation of Th2 cells, crucial for antibody-mediated immune responses.
2. Allergy and Inflammation: IL-4 is central to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, making it a key target in therapeutic interventions.
3. Research Applications: IL-4 is widely used in studies focused on allergy, asthma, and immune modulation, as well as in investigating signaling pathways like JAK-STAT6. IL-4 is targeted in several therapeutic strategies. Ongoing research is also exploring how modulating IL-4 activity can enhance vaccine efficacy and immunotherapy in various
   settings.

Theoretical pI/Mw (average)

Sequence

Theoretical pI/Mw

9.26 / 14963.20