IL-13 Human Active Protein

This gene encodes an immunoregulatory cytokine produced primarily by activated Th2 cells. This cytokine is involved in several stages of B-cell maturation and differentiation. It up-regulates CD23 and MHC class II expression, and promotes IgE isotype switching of B cells. This cytokine down-regulates macrophage activity, thereby inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This cytokine is found to be critical to the pathogenesis of allergen-induced asthma but operates through mechanisms independent of IgE and eosinophils. This gene, IL3, IL5, IL4, and CSF2 form a cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 5q, with this gene particularly close to IL4. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

IL13: Cytokine. Inhibits inflammatory cytokine production. Synergizes with IL2 in regulating interferon-gamma synthesis. May be critical in regulating inflammatory and immune responses. Defects in IL13 may be a cause of susceptibility to allergic rhinitis (ALRH). Allergic rhinitis is a common disease of complex inheritance and is characterized by mucosal inflammation caused by allergen exposure. Belongs to the IL-4/IL-13 family.

Protein type: Secreted, signal peptide; Secreted; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 5q31

Cellular Component: extracellular space; cytoplasm; extracellular region; external side of plasma membrane

Molecular Function: protein binding; interleukin-13 receptor binding; cytokine activity

Biological Process: response to nicotine; positive regulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation; microglial cell activation; regulation of proton transport; response to lipopolysaccharide; signal transduction; positive regulation of connective tissue growth factor production; positive regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat6 protein; positive regulation of immunoglobulin production; response to ethanol; positive regulation of protein secretion; cell-cell signaling; positive regulation of B cell proliferation; immune response; positive regulation of release of sequestered calcium ion into cytosol; negative regulation of NAD(P)H oxidase activity; inflammatory response; cell motility; positive regulation of macrophage activation

Disease: Asthma, Susceptibility To; Allergic Rhinitis