IL-4 is a multifunctional cytokine that primarily initiates signal transduction by binding to the IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα). Its main functions include inducing Th2-type immune responses, activating B cells and promoting antibody production, polarizing macrophages, and contributing to epithelial cell function and fibrosis. IL-4 binds to the receptor complex composed of IL-4Rα and the common γ-chain (γc), activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. This leads to the phosphorylation of STAT6, which forms dimers and translocates into the nucleus to regulate target gene expression.
IL-4 and IL-13 are highly related in terms of gene location, structure, and function. Both cytokines often activate the same signaling pathways (e.g., JAK-STAT6) through shared receptor complexes (IL-4Rα and IL-13Rα1). IL-4 signals through the IL-4Rα/γc receptor complex, while IL-13 signals through the IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1 receptor complex. IL-4 and IL-13 are key mediators in allergic diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis. Drugs that block the IL-4 and IL-13 signaling pathways (e.g., Dupilumab, an IL-4Rα antibody) have been approved for the treatment of asthma and atopic dermatitis.
Genomeditech provides functional cell lines, overexpression cell lines, proteins, and antibodies related to IL-4, IL-13, and other targets. These resources support the activity validation of related drugs, helping researchers better evaluate and optimize drug development and advancing their application in immunotherapy.
