Interleukin-33 (IL-33; HF-NEV; IL-1F11), a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, is expressed by many cell types following pro-inflammatory stimulation and is thought to be released on cell lysis. IL-33 affects the various cell types that express membrane ST2, which is selectively expressed by Th2 but not Th1 cells. The ability of IL-33 to target numerous immune cell types, like Th2-like cells, mast cells, and B1 cells, and to induce cytokine and chemokine production underlines its potential in influencing the outcome of a wide range of diseases, such as arthritis, asthma, atopic allergy & anaphylaxis, cardiovascular disease/atherosclerosis, nervous system diseases, and sepsis. In healthy human serum almost no IL-33 could be detected, whereas serum IL-33 levels were significantly increased in chronic active inflammation, like rheumatoid arthritis.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.