Interleukin 33: a switch-hitting cytokine.
For many years IL-33 has been widely studied in the context of T helper type 2 (Th2)-driven inflammatory disorders. Interestingly, IL-33 has now emerged as a cytokine with a plethora of pleiotropic properties. Depending on the immune cells targeted by IL-33, it is reported to not only promote Th2 immunity, but also to induce T helper type 1 (Th1) immunity. Furthermore, recent studies have revealed that IL-33 can activate CD8(+) T cells. These new studies provide evidence for its beneficial role in antiviral and antitumor immunity. Here we review the evidence of IL-33 to drive protective T cell immunity plus its potential use as an adjuvant in vaccination and tumor therapy.
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Daniel O
DO
Villarreal
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: dbweiner@mail.med.upenn.edu.
David B
DB
Weiner
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000276:immunology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology
D016207:Cytokines; D007378:Interleukins