Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Using an Automated Cell Counter to Simplify Gene Expression Studies: siRNA Knockdown of IL-4 Dependent Gene Expression in Namalwa Cells
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Using an Automated Cell Counter to Simplify Gene Expression Studies: siRNA Knockdown of IL-4 Dependent Gene Expression in Namalwa Cells

Published on: April 14, 2010

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Murine IL-4Δ2 splice variant down-regulates IL-4 activities independently of IL-4Rα binding and STAT-6

Gil R Diogo1, Adam Sparrow1, Matthew J Paul1

  • 1Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE London, UK.

Cytokine
|September 17, 2017
PubMed

IL-4 is a pleiotropic cytokine that is highly Th2 polarizing. The ratio of IL-4 and its splice variant IL-4Δ2 observed in human health and disease suggests a role for both isoforms. In the present study, the biological function of murine IL-4Δ2 and the potential mechanism of action were studied. We report for the first time the generation of a functional, recombinant murine IL-4Δ2 form which is suggestive of its possible biological role in this species. Recombinant murine IL-4Δ2 inhibited IL-4 mediated cellular processes in macrophages and lymphocytes. Specifically, (i) it reversed IL-4 mediated inhibition of IFN-γ induced nitric oxide release by macrophages, (ii) inhibited IL-4 mediated induction of T cell proliferation, and (iii) prevented IL-4 stimulation of IgE synthesis by B cells. However, IL-4Δ2 did not compete with IL-4 for IL-4Rα binding and did not interfere with the downstream STAT-6 phosphorylation in T cells, suggesting an alternative mechanism for its antagonism of specific IL4-driven effects. These findings suggest that the mouse is a suitable experimental model for studies of the biology of IL-4 and its alternative splice variant.

Keywords:
AntagonistBindingCytokineIL-4IL-4delta2

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