Description
IL-9 is a cytokine with immunoregulatory function, produced by activated T-helper type 2 lymphocytes. It acts on various cell types such as T- and B-lymphocytes, mast cells, haemopoietic progenitors and megakaryoblastic leukemia cell lines. IL-9 stimulates cell proliferation and prevents apoptosis. IL-9 may play a role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as certain lymphomas (Hodgin′s disease, anaplastic lymphoma) and asthma