The role of IL-13 in helminth-induced inflammation and protective immunity against nematode infections

Curr Opin Immunol. 1999 Aug;11(4):420-6. doi: 10.1016/S0952-7915(99)80070-3.

Abstract

Helminth infections induce the production of type 2 cytokines, which contribute both to expulsion of the worms and inflammatory responses that can either protect or damage the host. Although IL-4 has been considered the most critical cytokine for both inflammation and protective immunity, recent observations indicate that IL-13 - a related cytokine - can have equal or even greater importance than IL-4 in inflammatory responses and host protection against infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Digestive System / parasitology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / etiology*
  • Interleukin-13 / physiology*
  • Interleukin-4 / physiology
  • Nematode Infections / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Interleukin-13
  • Interleukin-4