The evolution of IL-4 and IL-13 and their receptor subunits

Abstract

This review will outline what is known about the origins and evolution of type 2 cytokines and their receptors in vertebrates. It takes advantage of the recent advances made in gene identification from the many vertebrate genomes that have now been sequenced. It will also describe what functional studies have been performed to date, giving clues to the role of these molecules and signalling pathways in non-mammalian vertebrates.

What's new in fish cytokine research?

“…Many examples of differential expression patterns and bioactivity of other cytokine paralogues exist, as seen with the IL-4/13 cytokines. In teleost fish two genes related to IL-4 and IL-13 are present, termed IL-4/13A and IL-4/13B [12,25], with IL-4/13B expression more responsive to T cell stimulants and recall responses, but with rIL-4/13A being more potent than rIL-4/13B at inducing antimicrobial peptide and acute phase protein genes at low concentration in vitro [28].…”

Evolution of Th2 responses: characterization of IL-4/13 in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) and studies of expression and biological activity

“…The origin and evolution of Th2 immune responses have been studied during the last years 17 , with the aim to understand when this essential component of the adaptive immune system first emerged in vertebrates. The receptor subunits found in mammals for IL-4 and IL-13 have been identified throughout the jawed vertebrates 17 and two copies of each have been cloned recently in salmonids 18 .…”

“…The receptor subunits found in mammals for IL-4 and IL-13 have been identified throughout the jawed vertebrates 17 and two copies of each have been cloned recently in salmonids 18 . An interesting feature is that although IL-4 and IL-13 are present in birds, clear orthologues are missing in other vertebrates 17 .…”

“…The receptor subunits found in mammals for IL-4 and IL-13 have been identified throughout the jawed vertebrates 17 and two copies of each have been cloned recently in salmonids 18 . An interesting feature is that although IL-4 and IL-13 are present in birds, clear orthologues are missing in other vertebrates 17 . However, in fish two IL-4/IL-13 related genes were identified in pufferfish ( Tetraodon nigroviridis ) 19 and in zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) 20, 21 in two different loci, one close to the RAD50 gene and the other to the KIF3A gene, respectively.…”

“…A new nomenclature was proposed, where the gene adjacent to RAD50 was termed IL-4/13A and the other adjacent to KIF3A was termed IL-4/13B 21 . In the spotted gar ( Lepisosteus oculatus ), a 2R bony fish, a single IL-4/13 gene is present between KIF3A and RAD50 17 and at least two IL-4/13 related genes have been identified in the elephant shark ( Callorhinchus milii ), a 2R cartilaginous fish 22 .…”