The role of interleukin-33 in rhinitis

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2013 Apr;13(2):196-202. doi: 10.1007/s11882-013-0338-z.

Abstract

IL-33, a member of the IL-1 cytokine family and a ligand to receptor ST2, has great potential to induce a T helper 2-type inflammatory response. IL-33 is proven to be released by epithelial cells during their injury by different environmental stimuli such as airborne allergens, viruses, and air pollutants. IL-33 acting as an endogenous danger signal is termed an alarmin. As such, this cytokine is considered to play a crucial role in an allergic inflammatory disease such as rhinitis. Recent investigations regarding the IL-33/ST2 axis involvement in Th2 inflammatory response and pathogenesis of rhinitis have been reviewed. The role of IL-33 as a novel promising therapeutic target has also been discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Basophils / immunology
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins / physiology*
  • Mast Cells / immunology
  • Rhinitis / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology

Substances

  • IL33 protein, human
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins