IL-13 is an immunoregulatory cytokine produced primarily by activated Th2 cells, and also by mast cells and NK cells.? Targeted deletion of IL-13 in mice resulted in impaired Th2 cell development and indicated an important role for IL-13 in the expulsion of gastrointestinal parasites.? IL-13 exerts anti-inflammatory effects on monocytes and macrophages and it inhibits the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1b, TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-8.? IL-13 has also been shown to enhance B cell proliferation and to induce isotype switching, resulting in increased production of IgE.? Blocking of IL-13 activity inhibits the pathophysiology of asthma.? Human and murine IL-13 are cross-species reactive.? Recombinant Rat IL-13 a 12.3 kDa protein consisting of 113 amino acid residues.
Biological Activity:
The ED50 was determined by the dose-dependent proliferation of TF-1 cells is < 5.0 ng/ml, corresponding to a specific activity of > 2 x 105 units/mg.