Interleukin-5 (IL-5)

Immunology?

See Also

• Atopy?
• Cytokines?
• [GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3)]?
• [T Helper Lymphocyte]?

Description

IL-5 is an interleukin produced by T helper-2 cells and mast cells. Its functions are to stimulate B cell growth and increase immunoglobulin secretion. It is also a key mediator in eosinophil activation.

Discussion

As the main regulator of eosinopoiesis, eosinophil maturation and activation, and IgA production, IL5 contributes in several ways to human immune defenses against various pathogens, including helminths and infectious agents of the digestive and respiratory tracts. On the other hand, the increase in number of eosinophils and the activation of these cells, both of which are related to elevated IL5 production, are the cause of severe pathologic disorders, as in asthma or hypereosinophilic syndromes.

Abstracts

Effect of vitamin E-bonded dialyzer on eosinophilia in haemodialysis patients

Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2005 Sep;20(9):1932-5. Epub 2005 May 26. Kojima K, Oda K, Homma H, Takahashi K, Kanda Y, Inokami T, Uchida S.

• BACKGROUND: Eosinophilia in haemodialysis patients probably results from allergy to haemodialysis-related materials, including dialyzer membranes. We examined the effects of vitamin E-bonded dialyzers on eosinophil counts in haemodialysis patients. METHODS: We enrolled seven patients who were on regular haemodialysis and had sustained eosinophilia. White blood cell, eosinophil, CD4- and CD8-positive lymphocyte counts, and serum interleukin-5 (IL-5) and IgE levels were determined before, 2 and 4 weeks after switching to vitamin E-bonded dialyzers. RESULTS: Eosinophil and CD4-positive lymphocyte counts and serum IL-5 were significantly (P = 0.003, 0.003 and 0.031, respectively) decreased after switching to vitamin E-bonded dialyzers. CD8-positive lymphocyte counts and serum IgE levels were unaltered. Crossover tests in two cases reproduced the higher eosinophilia within 4 weeks after returning to the original non-vitamin E-bonded dialyzer. Conclusion: Vitamin E-bonded dialyzers may ameliorate eosinophilia through a mechanism mediated by a decrease in IL-5 secretion by CD4-positive lymphocytes.

Links

• Genes that regulate eosinophilic inflammation. PDF File
• OMIM Entry