huIL13 Mouse

Interleukin-13, encoded by the IL13 gene, is a key type 2 immune response cytokine, predominantly expressed by activated Th2 helper T cells, type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), and mast cells, and central to type 2 immune responses elicited by allergens or other stimuli ^[1]. The IL-13 protein, a ~13 kDa molecule with a four-helix bundle structure, mediates its biological effects by binding to the cell surface receptor IL-13Rα1 and recruiting the IL-4Rα chain to form a functional receptor complex, thereby activating the downstream JAK/STAT6 signaling pathway ^[2]. Key functions of IL-13 include promoting B cell maturation and plasma cell differentiation, inducing IgE isotype switching, and suppressing the pro-inflammatory activity of macrophages, leading to reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines ^[3]. Furthermore, IL-13 induces goblet cell hyperplasia, promotes mucus secretion, and contributes to airway remodeling and fibrosis ^[4]. Numerous studies have established the critical role of IL-13 in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and eosinophilic esophagitis ^[1-4]. Consequently, targeting IL-13 and its signaling pathways has become a significant therapeutic strategy for these conditions; for example, the monoclonal antibody Dupilumab, which simultaneously blocks IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, has demonstrated substantial efficacy in treating diverse type 2 inflammation-related diseases ^[5]. Thus, IL-13 represents a promising therapeutic target for allergic and inflammatory disorders.

The huIL13 mouse is a humanized model constructed using gene editing technology to replace the entire base sequence of the mouse Il13 gene in situ with the corresponding sequence from the human IL13 gene. This model can be used for studying the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic approaches of allergic and inflammatory diseases, and for the development of IL13-targeted drugs.