Anti-Interleukin-13 (IL-13)

Interleukin 13 (IL-13), of the IL-4 superfamily, is a cytokine secreted by many cell types, but especially T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, that is an important mediator of allergic inflammation and disease. IL-13 induces its effects through a multi-subunit receptor that includes the alpha chain of the IL-4 receptor (IL-4Ra) and at least one IL-13-specific binding chain. Most of the biological effects of IL-13, like those of IL-4, are linked to a single transcription factor, STAT6. In humans, IL-13 can induce immunoglobulin E (IgE) secretion from activated B cells. In mice, deletion of IL-13 does not markedly affect either Th2 cell development or antigen-specific IgE responses induced by potent allergens. Deletion of IL-4 abrogates these responses. IL-13 acts as a molecular bridge linking allergic inflammatory cells to the non-immune cells in contact with them, thus altering physiological function. Although IL-13 is associated primarily with the induction of airway disease, including airway hyperresponsiveness, goblet cell metaplasia and mucus hypersecretion, it also induces airway matrix metalloproteinases as part of a mechanism that protects against excessive allergic inflammation that predisposes to asphyxiation.