Regulation of IL-4 expression in immunity and diseases

Abstract

IL-4 was fi rst identifi ed as a T cell-derived growth factor for B cells. Studies over the past several decades have markedly expanded our understanding of its cellular sources and function. In addition to T cells, IL-4 is produced by innate lymphocytes, such as NTK cells, and myeloid cells, such as basophils and mast cells. It is a signature cytokine of type 2 immune response but also has a nonimmune function. Its expression is tightly regulated at several levels, including signaling pathways, transcription factors, epigenetic modifi cations, microRNA, and long noncoding RNA. This chapter will review in detail the molecular mechanism regulating the cell type-specifi c expression of IL-4 in physiological and pathological type 2 immune responses.