Abstract
Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a recently discovered cytokine member of the IL-1 superfamily that is widely expressed in fixed tissue cells, including endothelial and epithelial cells. IL-33 induces helper T cells, mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils to produce type-2 cytokines through binding to the ST2/IL-1 receptor accessory protein complex. Recent studies have shown IL-33 to be upregulated in intestinal parasite infection and in epithelial cells and myofibroblasts in ulcerative colitis (UC). The findings point to a role for IL-33 in directing the T(H)2-type immune responses in these types of mucosal inflammation. As the IL-33/ST2 receptor axis can be manipulated by various blocking antibodies, this could be a potential therapeutic target in the future treatment of UC.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Colitis, Ulcerative / genetics
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Colitis, Ulcerative / immunology
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Colitis, Ulcerative / metabolism
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Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
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Humans
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Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / genetics
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Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / immunology*
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Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / metabolism
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Interleukin-33
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Interleukins / genetics
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Interleukins / metabolism
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Interleukins / physiology*
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Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
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Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
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Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
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Receptors, Interleukin-1 / metabolism
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Signal Transduction / genetics
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Signal Transduction / immunology
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Th2 Cells / immunology*
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Th2 Cells / metabolism
Substances
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IL33 protein, human
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Il33 protein, mouse
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Interleukin-33
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Interleukins
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Receptors, Interleukin-1