Download MendeleyA modular interface of IL-4 allows for scalable affinity without affecting specificity for the IL-4 receptor
Kraich, M., Klein, M., Patino, E., Harrer, H., Nickel, J., Sebald, W., Mueller, T.D.(2006) BMC Biol 4: 13-13
- PubMed: 16640778
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7007-4-13
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
2B8U, 2B8X, 2B8Y, 2B8Z, 2B90, 2B91, 2D48 - PubMed Abstract:
Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a key regulator of the immune system and an important factor in the development of allergic hypersensitivity. Together with interleukin 13 (IL-13), IL-4 plays an important role in exacerbating allergic and asthmatic symptoms. For signal transduction, both cytokines can utilise the same receptor, consisting of the IL-4Ralpha and the IL-13Ralpha1 chain, offering an explanation for their overlapping biological functions. Since both cytokine ligands share only moderate similarity on the amino acid sequence level, molecular recognition of the ligands by both receptor subunits is of great interest. IL-4 and IL-13 are interesting targets for allergy and asthma therapies. Knowledge of the binding mechanism will be important for the generation of either IL-4 or IL-13 specific drugs.
Organizational Affiliation:
Lehrstuhl für Physiologische Chemie II, Theodor-Boveri Institut für Biowissenschaften (Biozentrum) der Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany. kraich@biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de
