← Genes & pathways

Gene & pathway reference · FROM DR. PURSER’S TEACHING

IL5

IL5 encodes interleukin-5, a cytokine important to eosinophil growth, survival and activation. Eosinophils are involved in selected allergic and other inflammatory conditions.

Based on teaching by Dan Purser, MD. How we prepare these guides

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Educational reference

THE TEACHING CONNECTION

An eosinophil-focused cytokine

An eosinophil-focused cytokine

IL5 encodes interleukin-5, a cytokine important to eosinophil growth, survival and activation. Eosinophils are involved in selected allergic and other inflammatory conditions.

Putting the pieces together

Dr. Purser connects IL-5 with hay fever and allergic rhinitis and considers how allergic activity can add to a broader inflammatory burden. Blood eosinophil counts, symptom timing and clinical assessment add information that an IL5 marker does not provide.

Where the VARS Triad and MTHFR Daily fit

If you are exploring homocysteine or cytokines, Dr. Purser may discuss MTHFR Daily and the VARS Triad: VARS Glutathione, VARS SOD, and VARS Catalase. He gives glutathione a central place in his approach to antioxidant support.

A gene result alone cannot tell you that you need these products or that they will treat a condition. Review your current results, medicines, goals, and tolerance with your clinician before choosing a product or dose.

A question to bring to your visit

Do my symptoms and eosinophil findings support an allergic or eosinophilic pattern?

Variant lookup

These names can help you find an entry on your original genetic report. Seeing a name here does not tell you whether it affects your health or whether you need treatment.

rs2069812rs334809

Names you may see

IL-5 · Interleukin 5

Now hear the conversation.

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PURSER WELLNESSKids with cystic fibrosis often have high levels of inflammatory cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-13, which…A conversation with Dr. Purser
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Kids with cystic fibrosis often have high levels of inflammatory cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-13, which…

Kids with cystic fibrosis often have high levels of inflammatory cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-13, which damage the lungs. Research shows raising glutathione can lower these cytokines, yet most products don’t work. VARS Glutathion

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PURSER WELLNESSKids with cystic fibrosis often have high levels of inflammatory cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-13, which…A conversation with Dr. Purser
FacebookSep 22, 2025

Kids with cystic fibrosis often have high levels of inflammatory cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-13, which…

Kids with cystic fibrosis often have high levels of inflammatory cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-13, which damage the lungs. Research shows raising glutathione can lower these cytokines, yet most products don’t work. VARS Glutathion

Cytokines