IL-3 is the most potent growth factor for basophils followed by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and IL-5. These cytokines also act on mature basophils through specific receptors, thereby mediating adhesion, migration, and releasability. IL-3 is highly expressed by mast cells, and rapid and large amount of autocrine IL-3 production is responsible for mast cell survival by IgE in the absence of antigen. IL-3 has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases, including asthma, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.