Question:
Which interleukin is responsible for class switching of B cells to produce IgE?
Which interleukin is responsible for class switching of B cells to produce IgE?
Show Hint
Think the master Th2 cytokine that drives allergic responses and the epsilon class switch.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- IL-1
- IL-3
- IL-4
- Both IL-1 and IL-3
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Answer: IL-4.
Step 1: IgE production needs B cells to undergo class switching, and that switch is driven by Th2 cytokines. The dominant switch factor for IgE is IL-4 (with IL-13 acting in support).
Step 2: IL-4 is secreted by Th2 cells, drives the epsilon heavy-chain class switch and underpins allergic and antiparasitic immunity. Th1 cytokines such as interferon-gamma oppose this and inhibit IgE.
Step 3: The distractors do not switch IgE: IL-1 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine from macrophages, and IL-3 supports haematopoietic stem-cell and mast-cell growth. So the single best answer is IL-4.
Ref: Standard immunology references (NCBI Bookshelf NBK27117).
Step 1: IgE production needs B cells to undergo class switching, and that switch is driven by Th2 cytokines. The dominant switch factor for IgE is IL-4 (with IL-13 acting in support).
Step 2: IL-4 is secreted by Th2 cells, drives the epsilon heavy-chain class switch and underpins allergic and antiparasitic immunity. Th1 cytokines such as interferon-gamma oppose this and inhibit IgE.
Step 3: The distractors do not switch IgE: IL-1 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine from macrophages, and IL-3 supports haematopoietic stem-cell and mast-cell growth. So the single best answer is IL-4.
Ref: Standard immunology references (NCBI Bookshelf NBK27117).
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top NEET PG Microbiology Questions
- A patient hailing from Delhi presents with fever, arthralgia, and extensive petechial rash for 3 days. Lab investigations revealed a hemoglobin of 9 g/ dL, a white blood cell count of 9000 cells/mm3, a platelet count of 20000 cells/mm3, and a prolonged bleeding time. The clotting time was normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Which of the following statements is true about Trichomonas vaginalis?
- A lady from West Rajasthan presented with an ulcer surrounded by erythema on the right leg. Microscopy of the biopsy from the edge of the ulcer showed organisms with dark staining nuclei and kinetoplast. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A child presents with a fever and a rash. Urine examination showed cells with owl's eye appearance. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Infection with Clonorchis sinensis is associated with an increased risk of__?
View More Questions
Top NEET PG Immunoglobulin class switching Questions
Top NEET PG Questions
- A patient hailing from Delhi presents with fever, arthralgia, and extensive petechial rash for 3 days. Lab investigations revealed a hemoglobin of 9 g/ dL, a white blood cell count of 9000 cells/mm3, a platelet count of 20000 cells/mm3, and a prolonged bleeding time. The clotting time was normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Which of the following statements is true about Trichomonas vaginalis?
- A lady from West Rajasthan presented with an ulcer surrounded by erythema on the right leg. Microscopy of the biopsy from the edge of the ulcer showed organisms with dark staining nuclei and kinetoplast. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A child presents with a fever and a rash. Urine examination showed cells with owl's eye appearance. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Infection with Clonorchis sinensis is associated with an increased risk of__?
View More Questions