cytokine
IL-4
TH2 polarization signal for IgE class switching, alternatively activated macrophages, and barrier allergy
Review layer
Last reviewed 2026-05-17
Use as a systems teaching model for type 2/allergic inflammation. Clinical interpretation depends on phenotype, tissue context, exposure history, and biomarkers.
State signature
Systems profile
Cascade viewer
Source → signal → tissue behavior
Sources
Signal
IL-4
Targets and effects
Graph neighborhood
Direct relationships
TH2 polarization through STAT6 and GATA3
Signature cytokine
Allergic airway type 2 loops
Type 2 tissue amplification
Cytokine ecology
Signal Role
IL-4 is a type 2 cytokine that pushes B cells toward IgE and T cells toward TH2 identity while shaping repair-biased macrophage programs.
Pathway
Source Cells
Target Cells
Inflammatory Role
Amplifies allergic sensitization and type 2 barrier inflammation.
Regulatory Role
Can redirect macrophages toward repair and helminth containment rather than cytotoxic inflammation.