Progress on effects of interleukin-13 in the pathogenesis of asthma

Interluekin-13 (IL-13) is a multipotent cytokine secreted by T helper 2 cells (Th2), which can inhibit inflammatory cytokines produced by eosinophilic granulocytes, monocytes and macrophages in the immune response.It also boosts the proliferation of B lymphocytes and the secretion of antibody, and can promote the synthesis and secretion of IgE by activating eosinophil and reducing its apoptosis.It plays an extremely important role in the asthmatic pathogenesis as a result of its induces airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway remodeling.The paper briefs the progress on the effects of IL-13 in the asthmatic pathogenesis. Key words: Interluekin-13; Asthma; Pathogenesis