Interleukin 9 (IL9)

Interleukin 9 is a cytokine (cell signalling molecule) belonging to the group of interleukins. Interleukin 9(IL9) is a cytokine produced by T-cells and specifically by CD4+ helper cells that acts as a regulator of a variety of hematopoietic cells. This cytokine stimulates cell proliferation and prevents apoptosis.

It functions through the interleukin-9 receptor (IL9R), which activates different signal transducer and activator (STAT) proteins and thus connects this cytokine to various biological processes. The gene encoding this cytokine has been identified as a candidate gene for asthma. Genetic studies on a mouse model of asthma demonstrated that this cytokine is a determining factor in the pathogenesis of bronchial hyperresponsiveness.