Regulation of IL4 gene expression by T cells and therapeutic perspectives.

Li-Weber, Min; Krammer, Peter H.

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is crucial for the differentiation of naive T helper (TH) cells into the TH2 effector cells that promote humoral (antibody) immunity and provide protection against intestinal helminths. IL-4 also has a central role in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation. Many transcription factors are involved in the regulation of expression of the gene encoding IL-4. Initiation of transcription of the gene encoding IL-4 in naive TH cells is regulated by the TH2-specific transcription factor GATA3, whereas acute expression of the gene encoding IL-4 in TH2 cells is mediated by inducible, ubiquitous transcription factors after antigen encounter. This review focuses on acute activation of the gene encoding IL-4 in T cells and discusses therapeutic perspectives at the transcriptional level.

INTERLEUKIN-4; T cells; GENES; THERAPEUTICS; CELLS

Nature Reviews Immunology, 2003, Vol 3, Issue 7, p534

1474-1733

Academic Journal

10.1038/nri1128