Description
In rabbits, Interleukin 4 is encoded by the IL4 gene and plays a role in multiple B-cell activation processes as well as affecting other cell types. It acts as a costimulator for DNA synthesis and induces the expression of class II MHC molecules on resting B-cells. Additionally, it boosts both the secretion and cell surface expression of IgE and IgG1. Interleukin 4 also regulates the expression of the low-affinity Fc receptor for IgE (CD23) on lymphocytes and monocytes. In the rabbit model, IL-4 plays an important role in the infection process. For example, in the tuberculosis infection model, the expression level of IL-4 was significantly elevated, which may be related to its role in immunomodulation