A variety of diseases may be associated with IL-33: the new kid in the IL-1 family

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a newly described member of the IL-1 family that is expressed by many cell types following pro-inflammatory stimulation and is thought to be released on cell lysis.

The IL-33 receptor, consisting of ST2 and IL-1 receptor accessory protein, is also widely expressed, particularly by T helper 2 (TH2) cells and mast cells.


Video: Interleukin-1 binding to its receptor on a cell surface, created from structural data.

The Good:

IL-33 is host-protective against helminth infection and reduces atherosclerosis by promoting TH2-type immune responses.

The Bad:

IL-33 can promote the pathogenesis of asthma by expanding TH2 cells and mediate joint inflammation, atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis by mast cell activation.

IL-33 could be a new target for therapeutic intervention across a range of diseases. In particular, IL-33/ST2 pathway may provide new therapeutic targets for allergic rhinitis and asthma (http://goo.gl/3utyB).

References:
Disease-associated functions of IL-33: the new kid in the IL-1 family. Foo Y. Liew1, Nick I. Pitman1 & Iain B. McInnes. Nature Reviews Immunology 10, 103-110 (February 2010) | doi:10.1038/nri2692

IL-33 and its receptor ST2 play important roles in allergic rhinitis http://goo.gl/xYCga