IL5

A gene on chromosome 5q31.1 that encodes interleukin-5, a cytokine which acts as a growth and differentiation factor for B cells (inducing the terminal differentiation of late-developing B-cells to immunoglobulin secreting cell) and eosinophils, for the latter of which IL5 is a key regulator of eosinopoiesis, eosinophil maturation and activation.