Interleukin-33 in the developing lung-Roles in asthma and infection.
Johansson K1,2, McSorley HJ3.
Author information
1
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California.
2
Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.
3
Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Abstract
It has become increasingly clear that interleukin-33 (IL-33) plays a crucial role in initiation of type 2 immunity. The last decade of intense research has uncovered multiple mechanisms through which IL-33 targets key effector cells of the allergic immune response. Recently, IL-33 has been implicated in shaping the immune system of the lungs early in life, at a time which is crucial in the subsequent development of allergic asthma. In this review, we will address the current literature describing the role of IL-33 in the healthy and diseased lung. In particular, we will focus on the evidence for IL-33 in the development of immune responses in the lung, including the role of IL-33-responsive immune cells that may explain susceptibility to allergic sensitization at a young age and the association between genetic variants of IL-33 and asthma in humans. Finally, we will indicate areas for potential therapeutic modulation of the IL-33 pathway.

© 2019 John Wiley and Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

KEYWORDS:
airborne viruses; development of asthma; early intervention; immune mechanisms; respiratory epithelium

PMID: 30734382 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13040