Role of interleukin-4 and their antagonistic effect in asthma

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways, characterize by wheezing cough, chest tightness along with inflammation of airway and shortness of breath. Allergens like environmental sub-stance are predispose asthmatics patients to allergy. Mast cells produced interleukin (IL)-4 which either activate signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT-6) pathway that involved in differentiation of naïve T-cells to TH2 or activation of TH2 cells indirectly. The aim of the current context is to present role of IL-4 in asthma and effect as antagonist. IL-4 results in increased mucus production and involve in IgE synthesis from B cells. IL4 facilitate chemotaxis and aid in displaying of VCAM-1 which attract eosinophil basophils monocytes T-lymphocytes to blood vessel. IL4 inhibit apoptosis either by preventing decrease in BCL-2 level or binding of FasL to Fas (cd32) receptor which result in acute allergic response. Elevated level of IL-4 has greatly adverse impact on asthmatic patients so by decreasing the level of IL-4 will greatly reduce asthma phenotype.