The role of IL-13 and its receptor in allergy and inflammatory responses
JE de Vries - Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 1998 - Elsevier
IL-13 is a cytokine that is produced by different T-cell subsets and dendritic cells. IL-13
shares many biologic activities with IL-4. This is due to the fact that IL-13–and IL-4–receptor
complexes share the IL-4–receptor α-chain, which is important for signal transduction. T
cells do not express functional IL-13 receptors. This is the reason why IL-13, in contrast to IL-
4, fails to induce Th2-cell differentiation, one of the hallmarks of the allergic response.
However, IL-13 is required for optimal induction of IgE synthesis, particularly in situations in …
shares many biologic activities with IL-4. This is due to the fact that IL-13–and IL-4–receptor
complexes share the IL-4–receptor α-chain, which is important for signal transduction. T
cells do not express functional IL-13 receptors. This is the reason why IL-13, in contrast to IL-
4, fails to induce Th2-cell differentiation, one of the hallmarks of the allergic response.
However, IL-13 is required for optimal induction of IgE synthesis, particularly in situations in …