Title: Interleukin-5
Additional Names: Eosinophil differentiation factor; T cell replacing factor; B-cell growth factor II; IL-5; EDF; TRF; BCGFII
Literature References: Essential cytokine for the maturation, growth, activation and survival of eosinophils; also acts on basophils. Produced primarily by activated T cells; other sources include natural killer cells, bone marrow endothelial cells and eosinophils. Exists as a variably glycosylated homodimer; mol wt 45-60 kDa. The mature, human monomer consists of 115 amino acid residues. Originally characterized as a T cell replacing factor: K. Takatsu et al., J. Immunol. 125, 2646 (1980). Identity with BCGFII: N. Harada et al., ibid. 134, 3944 (1985); with EDF: C. J. Sanderson et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83, 437 (1986). Review of discovery and characterization of IL-5 and its receptor: K. Takatsu et al., Adv. Immunol. 57, 145-190 (1994). Review of bioactivity and relevance to allergic disease: R. W. Egan et al., Allergy 51, 71-81 (1996); of potential as therapeutic target: F. Cuss, ibid. 53, 89-92 (1998). Reviews: S. Karlen et al., Int. Rev. Immunol. 16, 227-247 (1998); G. J. Roboz, S. Rafii, Curr. Opin. Hematol. 6, 164-168 (1999). |