Despite the diversity both in terms of biology of helminths, and their lifecycle within their host, the mammalian immune response against these parasites is remarkably conserved and is dominated by a type 2 cell mediated response, which is characterized by IgE antibody production, eosinophilia, mastocytosis, and the differentiation of type 2 macrophages (M2, activated either by IL-4 or IL-13) in response to the production of the canonical type 2 cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13 (4). The gene discussed is IL4; the disease is Increased total eosinophil count.