Interleukin-5

Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is an interleukin produced to T helper-2 cells and by mast cells. Its functions are to stimulate B cells and to increase antibody secretion. As a possible drug to stimulate the immune system, IL-5 was first isolated and characterized at the Glaxo Wellcome Research Institute, Geneva, Switzerland who commissioned the sculpture. The sculpture is made of polished brass and copper and mounted on a spalted myrtle base. The sculpture is on permanent display in the Institute’s lobby.