TY - JOUR T1 - The importance of IL-33 in allergic inflammation JF - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics JO - J Pharmacol Exp Ther DO - 10.1124/jpet.114.222505 SP - jpet.114.222505 AU - Theoharis C Theoharides AU - Anastasia I Petra AU - Alexandra Taracanova AU - Smaro Panagiotidou AU - Pio Conti Y1 - 2015/01/01 UR - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/early/2015/04/23/jpet.114.222505.abstract N2 - IL-33 belongs to the IL-1 family of cytokines. While IL-1 is processed and released by live immune cells in response to infection or other triggers, IL-33 is mostly released as a danger "alarmin" signal from damaged cells. IL-33 may also be processed and released from activated mast cells (MCs) with subsequent autocrine and paracrine actions. IL-33 augments the stimulatory effects of IgE and substance P (SP) on MCs, but can also trigger release of cytokines from MCs on its own. Blood IL-33 levels are increased in asthma, atopic dermatitis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome. However, prolonged elevation of IL-33 downregulates FcεRI and may be protective in atherosclerosis, suggesting different roles in immune-regulated diseases. Even though neutralizing IL-33, knocking-down its receptor or using its soluble "decoy" receptor has resulted in anti-inflammatory effects, they are appear to be different outcomes in different tissues. Hence, selective regulation of IL-33 synthesis, release and signaling may be required to provide effective treatment options. ER -