title: Anti-IL-4 as a new strategy in allergy.
abstract: Allergic diseases are characterized by an overreaction characterized by Th2-type cell response, and as a consequence, an IgE-switched B cell immunity. Obviously, type-2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13) and particularly IL-4 have been identified as potential targets for allergy treatment. While initial experiences using anti-IL-4 principles in asthma were rather ambiguous, more recent studies using an IL-4 mute in blocking the IL-4 and IL-13 receptor have shown promising results. Furthermore, our understanding of IL-4 biology is more specific and may promote more targeted interventions. A key function of IL-4 is the induction of 'master switch' transcription factor GATA3 that drives Th2 differentiation and also effectively inhibits the induction of regulatory T cells. Consequences for treatment of allergic diseases are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum Allergie und Umwelt (ZAUM), Technische Universität und Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Carsten B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Schmidt-Weber
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050990:GATA3 Transcription Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000628:therapy*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000276:immunology*; D019948:Receptors, Interleukin-4 / Q000378:metabolism; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D050990:GATA3 Transcription Factor; D019948:Receptors, Interleukin-4; D015847:Interleukin-4