Abstract
IL-4 has been extensively studied in the context of its role in immunity. Accumulating evidence indicates, however, that it also plays a critical role in higher functions of the normal brain, such as memory and learning. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the basic immunology of IL-4, describe how and where this cytokine appears to operate in normal brain function, and propose a hypothesis concerning its potential role in neurological pathologies.
Publication types
-
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
-
Review
MeSH terms
-
Animals
-
Cognition / physiology
-
Humans
-
Inflammation / immunology
-
Inflammation / metabolism
-
Inflammation / pathology
-
Interleukin-4 / cerebrospinal fluid
-
Interleukin-4 / physiology*
-
Learning / physiology*
-
Memory / physiology*
-
Nervous System Diseases / immunology
-
Nervous System Diseases / metabolism
-
Nervous System Diseases / pathology
-
Neurogenesis / immunology
Substances
-
IL4 protein, human
-
Interleukin-4