Interleukin 13 (IL-13) is a cytokine secreted from type 2 T helper (Th2) cells. IL-13 has overlapping functions with interleukin 4 (IL-4), including the induction of immunoglobulin E (IgE) secretion from B cells, and the inhibition of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) inflammatory cytokine expression. IL-13 also regulates immune cell inflammation in response to the pathophysiological changes of surrounding non-immune cells. The IL-13 receptor consists of the IL-4Ra and IL-13Ra1 subunits. IL-13 can also bind the IL-13Ra2 receptor with high affinity. IL-13 functions are mediated through the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Human and mouse IL-13 are cross-reactive.
Bioactivity Assay:TF-1 cell proliferation; ED50 =10 ng/mL; Bioactivity =1.0 x 10^5 units/mg