Interleukin-4 (IL-4) (IL-4)

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a pleiotropic cytokine primarily produced by activated T cells (Th2), mast cells, and basophils, serving as a master regulator of the humoral and adaptive immune systems [17, 22]. It induces the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Th2 cells and promotes B-cell class switching to IgE and IgG1, which are critical for allergic responses [8, 17]. IL-4 signaling is mediated through a receptor complex containing the IL-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) subunit, which is shared with IL-13, leading to the activation of the JAK-STAT6 pathway [12, 24]. Dysregulation of IL-4 is a key driver of type 2 inflammation, contributing to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis [8, 9]. Therapeutic strategies include neutralizing IL-4 directly with monoclonal antibodies like pascolizumab or blocking the IL-4Rα subunit with agents like dupilumab to inhibit the downstream inflammatory cascade [10, 12]. Beyond allergy, IL-4 is involved in tissue repair and wound healing by promoting the alternative activation of macrophages (M2 phenotype) [8, 22]. It also plays a role in the tumor microenvironment, where it can influence cancer cell proliferation and metastasis [2, 6]. Drugs targeting the IL-4/IL-13 axis have revolutionized the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions by effectively reducing the burden of type 2 cytokines [12, 19].

Other names

B-cell stimulatory factor 1BSF-1BinetrakinLymphocyte stimulatory factor 1PitrakinraBCGF-1BCGF1

Neutralization of the cytokine or competitive inhibition of the IL-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) subunit to block downstream JAK-STAT6 signaling.