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Previous Volume 337:1766-1767 December 11, 1997 Number 24 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Interleukin-4 is a critical cytokine in the expression of atopy and allergic diseases. Through its receptor, which consists of a unique chain and the common lymphoid-receptor chain, it signals target cells and tissues to mount a response. When interleukin-4 activates its receptor, it triggers B cells to produce IgE. Interleukin-4 also induces endothelium to express adhesion molecules that specifically attract eosinophils. Finally, interleukin-4 signals T cells to become CD4+ type 2 helper cells, which then produce additional interleukin-4 and mediate allergic disease.¹

Genetic regulation of this interleukin-4 cascade may be an important regulatory point in the predisposition to allergy. We . . . [Full Text of this Article]

References

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• PATUZZO, C., TRABETTI, E., MALERBA, G., MARTINATI, L. C., BONER, A. L, PESCOLLDERUNGG, L., ZANONI, G., PIGNATTI, P. F. (2000). No linkage or association of the IL-4Ralpha gene Q576R mutation with atopic asthma in Italian families. J. Med. Genet. 37: 382-384 [Full Text]  
• Chen, R., Burke, T. F., Cumberland, J. E., Brummet, M., Beck, L. A., Casolaro, V., Georas, S. N. (2000). Glucocorticoids Inhibit Calcium- and Calcineurin-Dependent Activation of the Human IL-4 Promoter. J. Immunol. 164: 825-832 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Anderson, K. L., Mathieson, P. W., Gillespie;, K. M., Wills-Karp, M., Rosenwasser;, L. J. (1999). Polymorphisms Not Found in the IL-13 Gene Promoter. Science 284: 1431a-1431 [Full Text]  
• Wills-Karp, M., Luyimbazi, J., Xu, X., Schofield, B., Neben, T. Y., Karp, C. L., Donaldson, D. D. (1998). Interleukin-13: Central Mediator of Allergic Asthma. Science 282: 2258-2261 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
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