Description
The cytokines GM-CSF and IL-5 are thought to possess largely divergent functions despite a shared dependence on the common beta (βC) chain to initiate signaling. Although IL-5 is part of the core type 2 cytokine signature and is required for protection against some helminths, it is dispensable for immunity to others, such as Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (H. polygyrus). Whether this is due to compensatory mechanisms is unclear. The transcription factor Bhlhe40 has been shown to control GM-CSF production and is proposed to be a novel regulator of T helper type 2 cells.