Abstract
Cytokines are inflammatory mediators important in responding to pathogens and other foreign challenges. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 are two cytokines produced by T helper type 2 cells, mast cells, and basophils. In addition to their physiological roles, these cytokines are also implicated in pathological conditions such as asthma and allergy. IL-4 can stimulate two receptors, type I and type II, whereas IL-13 signaling is mediated only by the type II receptor (see the STKE Connections Maps). These cytokines activate the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling cascades, which may contribute to allergic responses. In addition, stimulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway through recruitment of members of the insulin receptor substrate family may contribute to survival and proliferation.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Motifs
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Animals
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Asthma / immunology
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Asthma / metabolism
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Humans
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Hypersensitivity / immunology
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Hypersensitivity / metabolism
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Interleukin-13 / metabolism*
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Interleukin-13 Receptor alpha1 Subunit
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Interleukin-4 / metabolism*
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Lymphocyte Activation
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
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Phosphoproteins / metabolism
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Phosphorylation
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Phosphotyrosine / metabolism
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
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Receptors, Interleukin / chemistry
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Receptors, Interleukin / metabolism
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Receptors, Interleukin-13
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Receptors, Interleukin-4 / chemistry
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Receptors, Interleukin-4 / metabolism
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STAT6 Transcription Factor
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Signal Transduction*
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Trans-Activators / metabolism
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src Homology Domains
Substances
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IL13RA1 protein, human
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Interleukin-13
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Interleukin-13 Receptor alpha1 Subunit
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Phosphoproteins
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
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Receptors, Interleukin
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Receptors, Interleukin-13
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Receptors, Interleukin-4
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STAT6 Transcription Factor
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STAT6 protein, human
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Trans-Activators
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Interleukin-4
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Phosphotyrosine
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
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Protein-Tyrosine Kinases