The role of the IL-33/ST2 axis in autoimmune disorders: Friend or foe?

Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2019 Dec:50:60-74. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.04.004. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases (ADs), which are common immune-mediated inflammatory syndromes, are characterized by an imbalance between T effector (Th)1/Th17 cells and T regulatory cells. Interleukin (IL)-33, a member of the IL-1 family, induces inflammatory disease development by mediating type 2 immune responses. Recently, IL-33/ST2 axis was reported to induce autoimmunity involving Th1 and Th17 cells. In this review, we focus on the expression, regulation and function of IL-33/ST2 pathway in the context of autoimmune disorders. We discuss the clinical potential of this signaling pathway in predicting disease activity and severity and offer possible future therapeutic alternatives.

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases; Interleukin-33; ST2; Th1; Th17; Type 2 immune responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein / genetics*
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein / immunology
  • Interleukin-33 / genetics*
  • Interleukin-33 / immunology
  • Mice
  • Signal Transduction / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th17 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology

Substances

  • IL1RL1 protein, human
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein
  • Interleukin-33