Tags: Protein.
Interleukin 4 abbreviated IL-4 is a cytokine that induces differentiation of naive helper T cells (Th0 cells) to Th2 cells. Upon activation by IL-4 Th2 cells subsequently produce additional IL-4. The cell that initially produces IL-4 thus inducing Th0 differentiation has not been identified but recent studies suggest that basophils may be the effector cell. It is closely related and has functions similar to Interleukin 13.
