IL-13

Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a central Th2 effector cytokine of the IL-4/IL-13 family, secreted by activated Th2 cells, group 2 innate lymphoid cells, mast cells, eosinophils and NKT cells. It shares many biological activities with IL-4 through the IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1 receptor complex, activating STAT6, STAT3 and SOCS1 pathways. IL-13 is the key driver of allergic inflammation and airway remodeling: it induces IgE class switching, goblet cell metaplasia, mucus hypersecretion, airway hyperresponsiveness, periostin production and fibrosis, but unlike IL-4 it cannot signal through the common gamma chain and exerts weaker effects on T-cell proliferation. IL-13Rα2 acts as a decoy receptor and profibrotic mediator. Anti-IL-13 antibodies such as lebrikizumab and tralokinumab are used for atopic dermatitis and asthma.