Interleukin 5 (IL5), also known as eosinophil differentiation factor (EDF), is a lineage-specific cytokine for eosinophil production.
It regulates eosinophil growth and activation.
It has an important role in diseases associated with increased levels of eosinophils, including asthma.
Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is a cytokine that is primarily produced by activated T cells, mast cells, and eosinophils.
It plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response, particularly in promoting the development, activation, and survival of eosinophils.
IL-5 acts as a growth factor for eosinophils and helps to stimulate their production in the bone marrow.
It also enhances the maturation, activation, and migration of eosinophils to sites of inflammation or infection, where they are involved in defense against parasitic infections and play a role in allergic reactions.
In addition to eosinophils, IL-5 can also affect the development and function of other cells, such as basophils and B cells.
It is involved in the proliferation and activation of basophils, another type of white blood cell involved in allergic responses.
IL-5 can also promote the growth and differentiation of B cells, enhancing their ability to produce immunoglobulins, including IgA antibodies.
IL-5 is especially notable for its association with allergic disorders and asthma.
It is considered a key driver of eosinophilic inflammation, which is characterized by increased eosinophil levels in the blood and tissues.
Elevated levels of IL-5 are often observed in individuals with allergic conditions and are targeted by certain asthma medications to help control eosinophilic inflammation.
Overall, interleukin-5 plays a significant role in regulating eosinophil production, activation, and survival, as well as influencing other immune cells involved in allergic reactions.
Its dysregulation can contribute to eosinophilic disorders and certain types of asthma.
IL-5 has helped in the development of targeted therapies for conditions associated with eosinophilic inflammation.