Question:
TH2 inflammation is mediated by which of the following cytokines?
TH2 inflammation is mediated by which of the following cytokines?
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Remember the T-helper subsets and their signature cytokines:
Th1 = IFN-gamma, IL-2 (intracellular pathogens, cell-mediated immunity).
Th2 = IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 (extracellular parasites, allergy, asthma).
Th17 = IL-17, IL-22 (extracellular bacteria/fungi, autoimmunity).
Treg = TGF-beta, IL-10 (immune tolerance, suppression).
Th1 = IFN-gamma, IL-2 (intracellular pathogens, cell-mediated immunity).
Th2 = IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 (extracellular parasites, allergy, asthma).
Th17 = IL-17, IL-22 (extracellular bacteria/fungi, autoimmunity).
Treg = TGF-beta, IL-10 (immune tolerance, suppression).
Updated On: Sep 3, 2026
- IL-17
- IL-4
- IL-2
- TNF-alpha
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
The question tests fundamental immunology, specifically asking which cytokine is a central mediator of the T-helper 2 (Th2) inflammatory pathway.
T-helper cells differentiate into various subsets (like Th1, Th2, Th17) based on the cytokine environment, and each subset secretes specific signature cytokines to orchestrate distinct immune responses.
Explanation:
• The Th2 cell subset plays a crucial role in the immune response against extracellular parasites (like helminths) and is the primary driver of allergic diseases, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis.
• Th2 cells are characterized by their production of a specific panel of cytokines, primarily Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-5 (IL-5), and Interleukin-13 (IL-13).
• Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is the hallmark cytokine of Th2 inflammation.
• IL-4 serves dual functions: it promotes the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into the Th2 lineage (a positive feedback loop) and it induces B cells to undergo class switching to produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE).
• IgE is fundamental to type I hypersensitivity reactions, as it binds to mast cells and basophils, leading to degranulation upon antigen cross-linking.
• IL-5 is responsible for the recruitment, activation, and survival of eosinophils, another key cellular player in allergic responses.
• IL-13 shares many functions with IL-4, including promoting IgE production, but it is also a major stimulator of mucus hypersecretion and airway smooth muscle hyperreactivity.
• Looking at the other options: IL-17 is the signature cytokine of Th17 cells, which are involved in defense against extracellular bacteria and fungi.
• IL-2 is primarily a T-cell growth factor produced by Th1 cells (and naive T cells) that promotes the proliferation of both T effector and regulatory T cells.
• TNF-alpha is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced mainly by macrophages and Th1 cells, central to acute phase reactions and granuloma formation.
• Therefore, IL-4 is the correct mediator for Th2 inflammation.
Final answer:
IL-4 is the key mediating cytokine for Th2 inflammation.
The question tests fundamental immunology, specifically asking which cytokine is a central mediator of the T-helper 2 (Th2) inflammatory pathway.
T-helper cells differentiate into various subsets (like Th1, Th2, Th17) based on the cytokine environment, and each subset secretes specific signature cytokines to orchestrate distinct immune responses.
Explanation:
• The Th2 cell subset plays a crucial role in the immune response against extracellular parasites (like helminths) and is the primary driver of allergic diseases, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis.
• Th2 cells are characterized by their production of a specific panel of cytokines, primarily Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-5 (IL-5), and Interleukin-13 (IL-13).
• Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is the hallmark cytokine of Th2 inflammation.
• IL-4 serves dual functions: it promotes the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into the Th2 lineage (a positive feedback loop) and it induces B cells to undergo class switching to produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE).
• IgE is fundamental to type I hypersensitivity reactions, as it binds to mast cells and basophils, leading to degranulation upon antigen cross-linking.
• IL-5 is responsible for the recruitment, activation, and survival of eosinophils, another key cellular player in allergic responses.
• IL-13 shares many functions with IL-4, including promoting IgE production, but it is also a major stimulator of mucus hypersecretion and airway smooth muscle hyperreactivity.
• Looking at the other options: IL-17 is the signature cytokine of Th17 cells, which are involved in defense against extracellular bacteria and fungi.
• IL-2 is primarily a T-cell growth factor produced by Th1 cells (and naive T cells) that promotes the proliferation of both T effector and regulatory T cells.
• TNF-alpha is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced mainly by macrophages and Th1 cells, central to acute phase reactions and granuloma formation.
• Therefore, IL-4 is the correct mediator for Th2 inflammation.
Final answer:
IL-4 is the key mediating cytokine for Th2 inflammation.
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