The role of interleukin-33 in organ fibrosis

Summary Interleukin (IL)-33 is highly expressed in the nucleus of cells present at barrier sites and signals via ST2 receptor. IL-33 signalling essential for return to tissue homeostasis after acute inflammation, promoting fibrinogenesis wound healing injury sites. However, this wound-healing response becomes aberrant during chronic or sustained leading transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) release, excessive extracellular matrix deposition, fibrosis. This review addresses role pathway fibrotic diseases lung, liver, gastrointestinal tract, skin, kidney heart. In lung release leads activation pro-fibrotic TGF-β, these sites, has clear roles. kidney, more complex, being both protective. Finally, heart, serves cardioprotective functions by favouring preventing cardiomyocyte death. Altogether, indicates presence an unclear delicate balance between resolving capabilities IL-33, which a central modulation type 2 inflammation fibrosis injury.