Interleukin 5 (IL5), also known as eosinophil differentiation factor (EDF), is a lineage-specific cytokine for eosinophil production.
Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is a cytokine that plays a significant role in the immune system, specifically in regulating the growth, activation, and survival of eosinophils.
It regulates eosinophil growth and activation.
It has an important role in diseases associated with increased levels of eosinophils, including asthma.
It is primarily produced by T-helper 2 (Th2) cells, mast cells, and eosinophils themselves.
The main functions of IL-5 include:
IL-5 stimulates the production and maturation of eosinophils in the bone marrow and regulates their activation and survival.
Eosinophils are important in defending against parasitic infections and play a role in allergic reactions and asthma.
IL-5 contributes to the development of allergic inflammatory responses.
It acts as a chemotactic factor, attracting eosinophils to sites of allergic inflammation.
In conditions like allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eosinophilic esophagitis, elevated levels of IL-5 are often observed.
IL-5 is particularly relevant in asthma, where it promotes eosinophilic airway inflammation and contributes to the recruitment of eosinophils into the airways.
Certain medications targeting IL-5 or its receptor, such as monoclonal antibodies, have been developed to treat severe eosinophilic asthma.
IL-5 is also involved in the regulation of other immune responses, including the activation of B-cells, stimulation of antibody production (specifically IgA), and the release of other cytokines and chemokines.