Interleukin 25

Interleukin-25 (IL-25) – also known as interleukin-17E (IL-17E) – is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the IL25 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
IL-25 is a is_associated_with::cytokine that shares the sequence similarity with IL17. This cytokine can induce is_associated_with::NF-κB activation, and stimulate the production of IL8. Both this cytokine and IL17B are ligands for the cytokine receptor is_associated_with::IL17RB. Studies of the similar gene in mice suggested that this cytokine may be a proinflammatory cytokine favoring Th2-type immune response. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene encoding distinct isoforms have been reported.

IL-25 is a is_associated_with::cytokine that belongs to the IL-17 cytokine family and is secreted by type 2 is_associated_with::helper T cells (Th2) and is_associated_with::mast cells.

Clinical significance
IL-25 induces the production of other cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in multiple tissues, which stimulate the expansion of is_associated_with::eosinophils. This cytokine is an important molecule controlling immunity of the gut and has been implicated in chronic is_associated_with::inflammation associated with the is_associated_with::gastrointestinal tract. IL-25 can kill some types of breast cancer cells.

Further, the IL-25 is_associated_with::gene has been identified in a chromosomal region associated with autoimmune diseases of the gut such as is_associated_with::inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although no direct evidence suggests that IL-25 plays any role in this disease.