A novel IL-1 family cytokine, IL-33, potently activates human eosinophils

Human basophils and eosinophils are the direct target leukocytes of the novel IL-1 family member IL-33.

In mice, interleukin-18 (IL-18) regulates Th1- or Th2-type immune responses depending on the cytokine environment and effector cells involved, and the ST2-ligand, IL-33, primarily promotes an allergic phenotype. Human basophils, major players in allergic inflammation, constitutively express IL-18 receptors, while ST2 surface expression is inducible by IL-3. Unexpectedly, freshly isolated basoph...

Human Mast Cells Potently Activates and Drives Maturation of Cutting Edge: The ST2 Ligand IL-33

An IL-1 cytokine member, IL-33, induces human basophil activation via its ST2 receptor.

Basophils are thought to play pivotal roles in allergic inflammation through rapid release of chemical mediators in addition to sustained production of Th2 cytokines, including IL-4. A newly identified cytokine, IL-33, has been recognized as one of the key cytokines enhancing Th2-balanced immune regulation through its receptor, ST2. The present study was conducted to elucidate whether IL-33 act...

The IL-1-like cytokine IL-33 is inactivated after maturation by caspase-1.

IL-33 is a chromatin-associated cytokine of the IL-1 family that has recently been linked to many diseases, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. IL-33 signals through the IL-1 receptor-related protein ST2 and drives production of pro-inflammatory and T helper type 2-associated cytokines in mast cells, T helper type 2 lymphocytes, basophils, eosin...

IL-1 family members IL-18 and IL-33 upregulate the inflammatory potential of differentiated human Th1 and Th2 cultures.

The IL-1 family members IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-33 are potent cytokines in relationship to amplifying the CD4(+) T cell cytokine production. To evaluate their impact on in vitro-differentiated human Th1 and Th2 cultures, such cultures were established from naive T cells, purified from healthy blood donors, and reactivated in the presence of IL-1β, IL-18, or IL-33. Interestingly, we observe modifyi...