IL-9, Human

Description

Interleukin 9, also known as IL9, is a cytokine cell signalling molecule belonging to the group of interleukins. The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine produced by T-cells and specifically by CD4+ helper cells that acts as a regulator of a variety of hematopoietic cells. This cytokine stimulates cell proliferation and prevents apoptosis. It functions through the interleukin-9 receptor IL9R , which activates different signal transducer and activator STAT proteins and thus connects this cytokine to various biological processes. The gene encoding this cytokine has been identified as a candidate gene for asthma. Genetic studies on a mouse model of asthma demonstrated that this cytokine is a determining factor in the pathogenesis of bronchial hyperresponsiveness.