title: Biology of IL-5 in health and disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Reading this article will increase the readers' knowledge of the biology of interleukin-5 (IL-5), an important cytokine. The immune and inflammatory responses of any organism are the basis of the defense mechanism ensuring its survival. The role of IL-5 in these processes, as well as in the pathogenesis of various diseases has been discussed along with the effects of various pharmacologic agents on the production and function of IL-5.
  
  
  METHODS
  A detailed literature search was performed. Studies considered relevant and important, in all languages, which involved humans and animals were used.
  
  
  METHODS
  Information was obtained only from peer reviewed journals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Interleukin-5 is normally produced by T-cells, mast cells, and eosinophils while Reed Sternberg and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) transformed cells also produce IL-5. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to IL-5 are potent inhibitors of IL-5 mediated tissue damage, secondary to eosinophil infiltration. The majority of the studies on IL-5 are preliminary, often the information is obtained from animal studies or in vitro systems and occasionally from pathologic tissue analysis. This along with the absence of confirmatory studies is a limiting factor. Nonetheless, the role of IL-5 in allergic and immunologic disease and asthma may be central to their pathogenesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interleukin-5 is an important molecule that is participant to many processes that maintain health and are involved directly or indirectly in the pathogenesis of disease. Some pharmacologic agents can modify IL-5 production in vivo. Development of selective inhibitors of IL-5 may have a potential use for specific therapy of certain autoimmune, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02112, USA.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lalani
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Simmons
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Ahmed
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology; D015848:Interleukin-5 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D053649:Receptors, Interleukin-5
chemical_list: D015848:Interleukin-5; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin; D053649:Receptors, Interleukin-5