Type 2 helper T cell cytokine (Th2 cytokine)

Type 2 helper T cell cytokines (most notably interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-9, interleukin-13, and sometimes interleukin-10 or IL-25) are a group of signaling molecules secreted principally by Type 2 helper T (Th2) cells. They promote humoral immunity by stimulating B cell class switching (especially to IgE), recruiting eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells, and facilitating responses to extracellular parasites and allergens. These cytokines mediate tissue repair and fibrosis but are also involved in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis as well as certain fibrotic conditions. Because 'Type 2 helper T cell cytokines' describes a broad class of signaling molecules rather than a single target, it is not a precise molecular target suitable for direct drug intervention as a unit; rather, individual cytokines (e.g., IL-4, IL-5, or IL-13) are therapeutic targets in various disease contexts.

Other names

Th2 cytokinesType 2 cytokinesT helper 2 cytokinesType 2 immunity cytokines