Description
Mouse interleukin 13 (mIL-13) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by activated Th2 cells. IL-13 induces B cell proliferation and immunoglobin production. It contains a four helical bundle with two internal disulfide bonds. Mouse IL13 shares 58% sequence identity with human protein and exhibits cross-species activity. IL13 signals via receptor IL13R (type2, IL4R) and activates STAT-6. IL13 initially binds IL-13Rα1 with low affinity and triggers association of IL4R α , generating a high affinity heterodimeric receptor IL13R and eliciting downstream signals. IL13 also binds IL-13Rα2 with high affinity, which plays a role in a negative feedback system of IL13 signaling. IL13 is an important mediator of allergic inflammation and disease.