The gene encoding interleukin-13: a susceptibility locus for asthma and related traits.
Asthma is a complex inflammatory disorder controlled by both genetic and environmental influences. Multiple genetic analyses have identified the T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 5q as a susceptibility locus for asthma. Recently, the Th2 cytokine interleukin-13 has been shown to be a critical mediator of the asthma phenotype in murine models. In this commentary we discuss several recent studies that have identified polymorphisms in the gene encoding interleukin-13. The consistent genetic associations of interleukin-13 with asthma and related traits across diverse ethnic populations in these studies provides strong support for the candidacy of this cytokine as a susceptibility locus for asthma and atopy on chromosome 5q31.
Wills-Karp
M
M
Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. mkarp@welch.jhu.edu
D001249:Asthma / Q000235:genetics*; D002895:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5 / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000235:genetics*; D018793:Interleukin-13 / Q000235:genetics*
D018793:Interleukin-13