Human Lung Anaphylaxis Results in Rapid Release of Interleukin-4

Background Interleukin-4 has been implicated as having numerous roles in the inflammatory responses characteristic of allergic asthma. Interleukin-4 has been shown to be involved in IgE synthesis, upregulation of VCAM-1 on endothelium, and promotion of inflammatory cell infiltration into the airways. Objective We therefore examined whether IL-4 was produced after an IgE-mediated response in human lung samples. Results Anti-IgE treatment of 12 human lungs resulted in the significant release of IL-4 within 30 minutes. Conclusions Although the source of released IL-4 is unknown, the rapid release of IL-4 suggests that cells with performed stores, such as mast cells and eosinophils, are involved. Once released, IL-4 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.