Recombinant Human IL-13

Interleukin 13 (IL-13), also known as ALRH, is a single-chain, glycosylated polypeptide and a cytokine that is critical in regulating inflammatory and immune responses.¹ It is produced primarily by activated Th2 cells, as well as mast cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells.¹ The functions of IL-13 overlap considerably with those of IL-4 but these effects are probably less important given the more potent role of IL-4.² IL-13 exerts its effects through a multi-subunit receptor comprising the alpha chain of the IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα), and at least one of two known IL-13-specific binding chains (IL13 Rα1 and IL13 Rα2). Most of the biological effects of IL-13, like those of IL-4, are linked to signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6).² Although IL-13 is associated primarily with the induction of airway disease, it also has anti-inflammatory properties. It exerts these anti-inflammatory effects on monocytes and macrophages, and inhibits the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8. IL-13 has also been shown to enhance B cell proliferation and to induce isotype switching resulting in increased production of IgE.³ Blocking of IL-13 activity inhibits the pathophysiology of asthma.⁴ Targeted deletion of IL-13 in mice results in impaired Th2 cell development and indicates an important role for IL-13 in the expulsion of gastrointestinal parasites.⁵ In addition, studies have identified IL-13 expression as a common feature of cHL (classical Hodgkin lymphoma).⁶ Human and murine IL-13 are cross-species reactive.