Il4 Gene is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
| IL4 | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Interleukin 4 |
| Chromosomal Location | 5q31.3 |
| NCBI Gene ID | [3560](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3560) |
| OMIM | [147780](https://www.omim.org/entry/147780) |
| Ensembl ID | [ENSG00000100994](https://www.ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/Gene/Summary?g=ENSG00000100994) |
| UniProt ID | [P05112](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P05112) |
| Associated Diseases | Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Asthma, Autoimmunity |
IL4 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that promotes microglial M2 polarization. It has neuroprotective properties and is being explored as a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases.
The IL4 gene encodes a protein involved in cellular signaling that is critical for development, tissue homeostasis, and immune regulation. In the nervous system, this protein plays important roles in neuroinflammation, neuronal survival, and synaptic plasticity.
IL4 is associated with the following neurodegenerative and neurological conditions:
IL4 is expressed in various brain regions including cortex, hippocampus, and basal ganglia. The protein is produced by neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, with expression levels varying in neurodegenerative conditions.
The study of Il4 Gene has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
IL4 is a 129-amino acid secreted cytokine with a characteristic four-helix bundle structure:
IL4 signals through two receptor complexes:
Type I receptor (lymphoid):
Type II receptor (type II):
IL4 activates multiple downstream pathways:
JAK-STAT6 pathway
PI3K-Akt pathway
MAPK pathway
IL4 drives M2 (alternatively activated) microglial phenotype:
M2 markers:
Neuroprotective functions:
IL4 has direct effects on neurons:
Synaptic plasticity
Neuronal survival
Neurogenesis
IL4 has complex interactions with AD:
Amyloid-β
Tau pathology
Neuroinflammation
IL4-based therapies for AD:
| Approach | Strategy | Status |
|---|---|---|
| IL-4 delivery | Protein administration | Research |
| Gene therapy | AAV-IL4 | Preclinical |
| Small molecules | Enhance IL-4 signaling | Research |
| Peptide analogs | Modified IL-4 | Research |
IL4 is protective in PD models:
Dopaminergic neurons
Neuroinflammation
IL4 has protective effects in ALS:
Neuroinflammation
Immune modulation