IL 13 blocks may protect cartilage
This article is a little technical and deserves an overview of Th1/Th2 inflammatory cascades. Consider Th1 as the body’s attack system, to destroy things that get in. Consider Th2 as the body’s defense system, keeping things from getting in. We need a healthy balance between the two. Too much Th1 can tend towards autoimmune diseases such as MS. Too much Th2 can tend towards allergies. This article suggests that IL 13 may protect against cartilage damage in the face of inflammation. IL 13 is produced as a Th2 cytokine. This further supports a healthy balance of Th1/Th2 in overall health.
Ann Rheum Dis — Abstracts: Cleaver et al. 60 (2): 150 for more info on Th1/Th2 Entrez-PubMed