白介素-33与炎症

白介素-33（interleukin-33,IL-33）是最近发现的一种前炎症细胞因子,它结合IL-1受体家族成员ST2,活化NF-κB和MAPK信号通路,促进Th2细胞因子的产生,参与多种炎症与免疫反应过程。本文就IL-33的分子结构、编码蛋白、产生及调节、受体信号与生物学活性等作综述。     

白介素-33与炎症

自介紊-33(interleukin.33,IL-33)是最近发现的一种前炎症细胞因子,它结合IL-1受体家族成员ST2,活化NF-w.B和MAPK信号通路,促进Th2细胞因子的产生,参与多种炎症与免疫反应过程.本文就IL-33的分子结构、编码蛋白、产生及调节,受体信号与生物学活性等作综述.     

Th2与ILC2细胞在哮喘模型中的数量及产生细胞因子的比较研究

目的比较过敏原依赖和非依赖性哮喘模型中2型辅助性T细胞(Th2 cell)和固有淋巴样2型细胞(type 2innate lymphoid cell,ILC2)的功能。方法滴鼻法制备过敏原卵清蛋白(ovalbumin,OVA)和上皮源性细胞因子(IL-25、IL-33)诱导的亚急性和慢性哮喘小鼠模型。收集小鼠肺泡灌洗液(bronchoalvelar lavage fluid,BALF)进行细胞计数;取左肺进行石蜡包埋、切片和HE染色;右肺行流式细胞术,以分析在不同时间点各组小鼠Th2细胞和ILC2细胞数目和占肺组织总细胞比例,并对Th2型细胞因子的来源进行分析。结果与生理盐水组相比,各实验组BALF中总细胞数明显增加; HE染色可见OVA、IL-25和IL-33均可诱导哮喘典型病理学改变;各实验组肺组织中Th2细胞与ILC2细胞均明显上升,数量上以Th2细胞为主,两者均可产生Th2型细胞因子IL-5和IL-13,且以Th2细胞为主。而在致哮喘样改变、促进Th2细胞和ILC2细胞在小鼠肺部聚集等方面,以IL-33的效应最强。结论在过敏原OVA和非过敏原IL-25、IL-33诱导的哮喘模型中,Th2型细胞因子主要来源均为Th2细胞,提示Th2细胞在哮喘的发生、发展中起到主要作用。IL-33可能是过敏性和非过敏性哮喘患者个体化治疗的潜在靶点。     

上皮源性细胞因子IL-33、IL-25和TSLP在哮喘发病机制中的作用

哮喘(asthma)是一种以气道高反应性、慢性气道炎症、气道重塑和可逆性的气流受阻为特征的常见慢性呼吸系统疾病。近年来,研究发现气道上皮细胞在霉菌、尘螨、花粉、病毒感染、空气污染物等各种损伤因素的作用下,可释放细胞因子白细胞介素-33(interleukin-33,IL-33)、白细胞介素-25(interleukin-25,IL-25)和胸腺基质淋巴细胞生成素(thymic stromal lymphopoietin,TSLP),这些细胞因子不仅可作用于2型辅助性T细胞(type 2 helper T cells,Th2 cells),同时也可作用于固有淋巴样2型细胞(group 2 innate lymphoid cells,ILC2s),通过释放Th2型细胞因子,参与哮喘的发生与发展。尽管这3种细胞因子在哮喘的发生与发展中均起到重要作用,但其在哮喘病理、生理学效应及作用方式上并非完全相同。现就这3种上皮源性细胞因子IL-33、IL-25和TSLP在哮喘发病机制中的作用作一概述。     

白细胞介素33在肿瘤免疫中的作用及信号通路研究进展

白细胞介素33(interleukin-33,IL-33)主要表达于人角质细胞、内皮细胞和纤维母细胞中。IL-33在Th(helper T cell)2细胞的成熟中发挥重要作用,促进Th2细胞分泌Th2相关细胞因子,趋化Th2细胞,并在组织损伤中作为警报素放大免疫反应。IL-33也可以激活肥大细胞、嗜碱性粒细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞和自然杀伤细胞。随着肿瘤免疫疗法研究逐渐深入,IL-33的抗肿瘤作用也逐渐被人们认识,包括在黑色素瘤和乳腺癌等癌症中的作用。为更好总结IL-33在肿瘤免疫中的研究进展,本文从IL-33在肿瘤免疫中的信号通路和IL-33对不同肿瘤免疫治疗效应两方面进行了归纳和总结。     

白介素-33在疾病中的作用

白介素-33(IL-33)是近年来新发现的IL-1家族的新成员,通过结合其受体ST2诱导Th2型细胞因子的产生。IL-33既可以调节Th2型免疫反应、刺激肥大细胞产生前炎性因子,又可以作为核因子调控基因转录。IL-33在血管性疾病、变态反应性疾病、自身免疫性疾病和炎症性疾病中均发挥重要作用。对IL-33功能及机制的研究将有助于进一步了解这些疾病的致病机制,为疾病治疗提供新的策略。     

IL-33通过活化巨噬细胞NF-κB信号通路参与低氧性肺动脉高压的发生发展

目的探讨IL-33/ST2应答轴是否通过激活巨噬细胞NF-κB通路促进低氧性肺动脉高压(hypoxic pulmonary hypertension,HPH)的发生、发展。方法采用野生型(WT)、IL-33转基因(Il33 Tg)小鼠和St2基因敲除(St2-/-)小鼠制备HPH小鼠模型,采集小鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,BALF)和肺组织标本;进行小鼠BALF总细胞和分类计数;用免疫荧光和免疫组化法检测IL-33、ST2在小鼠肺组织的表达水平和MAC-2+巨噬细胞聚集;用ELISA检测肺组织匀浆中的细胞因子含量;用免疫印迹(Western blot)检测转录因子NF-κB在模型鼠肺组织及体外IL-33刺激的小鼠巨噬细胞系RAW264.7的表达水平。结果 IL-33、ST2在HPH模型小鼠肺组织中表达上调并伴有MAC-2+巨噬细胞增加;Il33 Tg模型鼠肺部以巨噬细胞为主的炎性细胞浸润;低氧可诱导WT小鼠肺组织表达促炎因子IL-1β和巨噬细胞趋化蛋白(monocyte chemotactic protein 1,MCP-1),而St2基因缺失则下调上述细胞因子表达;低氧亦可诱导上调NF-κB在WT小鼠肺组织表达,而St2基因缺失则可抑制低氧诱导NF-κB的表达。体外实验显示IL-33能上调巨噬细胞NF-κB的表达。结论低氧可促进IL-33/ST2表达增强,进而诱导巨噬细胞内NF-κB通路的激活,导致促炎细胞因子MCP-1、IL-1β的产生,加重炎症反应并间接引起肺动脉血管重塑参与HPH的发生、发展。     

重组小鼠IL-33成熟蛋白的原核表达、纯化及活性检测

目的为了在大肠埃希菌中表达具有生物学活性的小鼠IL-33成熟蛋白。方法利用PCR技术从pc DNA3.1-IL-33质粒中扩增小鼠IL-33成熟蛋白的基因,将其插入原核表达载体p ET21a(+),构建成p ET21a-m IL-33质粒,转化至大肠埃希菌BL21,筛选出可表达m IL-33的大肠埃希菌工程菌株。经IPTG诱导表达,用镍柱亲和层析法纯化。结果经SDS-PAGE分析获得纯度高达95%的m IL-33蛋白,相对分子质量18 000。ELISA试验显示m IL-33可以有效的促进肠系膜淋巴细胞产生Th2型细胞因子(IL-5),与未处理组的差异具有显著的统计学意义。结论利用大肠埃希菌表达系统表达了具有生物活性的m IL-33蛋白,为继续开展IL-33在炎症性肠病的免疫治疗研究奠定了基础。     

白介素-1家族新成员——白介素-33研究新进展

IL-33是在2005年发现的IL-1家族新成员,具有双重调节作用,一方面作为核因子定位于细胞核内,起转录调控作用;作为细胞因子参与调节Th2型机体免疫和炎症反应。在自身免疫病、感染、糖尿病、皮肤病、心血管疾病等方面起着重要的作用。本综述总结讨论在现阶段对IL-33的研究及其在有关疾病中发挥的作用机理。     

白介素-1家族新成员——白介素-33研究新进展

IL-33是在2005年发现的IL-1家族新成员,具有双重调节作用,一方面作为核因子定位于细胞核内,起转录调控作用;作为细胞因子参与调节Th2型机体免疫和炎症反应。在自身免疫病、感染、糖尿病、皮肤病、心血管疾病等方面起着重要的作用。本综述总结讨论在现阶段对IL-33的研究及其在有关疾病中发挥的作用机理。     

Soluble ST2 suppresses the effect of interleukin-33 on lung type 2 innate lymphoid cells

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in lungs produce interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 in response to IL-33 and may contribute to the development of allergic diseases such as asthma. However, little is known about negative regulators and effective inhibitors controlling ILC2 function. Here, we show that soluble ST2, a member of the IL-1 receptor family, suppresses the effect of IL-33 on lung ILC2 in vitro. Stimulation with IL-33 to naïve ILC2 induced morphological change and promoted cell proliferation. In addition, IL-33 upregulated expression of cell surface molecules including IL-33 receptor and induced production of IL-5 and IL-13, but not IL-4. Pretreatment with soluble ST2 suppressed IL-33-mediated responses of ILC2. The results suggest that soluble ST2 acts as a decoy receptor for IL-33 and protects ILC2 from IL-33 stimulation.     

Macrophages as IL-25/IL-33-Responsive Cells Play an Important Role in the Induction of Type 2 Immunity

Type 2 immunity is essential for host protection against nematode infection but is detrimental in allergic inflammation or asthma. There is a major research focus on the effector molecules and specific cell types involved in the initiation of type 2 immunity. Recent work has implicated an important role of epithelial-derived cytokines, IL-25 and IL-33, acting on innate immune cells that are believed to be the initial sources of type 2 cytokines IL-4/IL-5/IL-13. The identities of the cell types that mediate the effects of IL-25/IL-33, however, remain to be fully elucidated. In the present study, we demonstrate that macrophages as IL-25/IL-33-responsive cells play an important role in inducing type 2 immunity using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Macrophages produced type 2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 in response to the stimulation of IL-25/IL-33 in vitro, or were the IL-13-producing cells in mice administrated with exogenous IL-33 or infected with Heligmosomoides bakeri. In addition, IL-33 induced alternative activation of macrophages primarily through autocrine IL-13 activating the IL-4Rα-STAT6 pathway. Moreover, depletion of macrophages attenuated the IL-25/IL-33-induced type 2 immunity in mice, while adoptive transfer of IL-33-activated macrophages into mice with a chronic Heligmosomoides bakeri infection induced worm expulsion accompanied by a potent type 2 protective immune response. Thus, macrophages represent a unique population of the innate immune cells pivotal to type 2 immunity and a potential therapeutic target in controlling type 2 immunity-mediated inflammatory pathologies.     

Interleukin (IL)-33 induces the release of pro-inflammatory mediators by mast cells

IL-33 (or IL-1F11) was recently identified as a ligand for the previously orphaned IL-1 family receptor T1/ST2. Previous studies have established that IL-33 and T1/ST2 exert key functions in Th2 responses. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-33 induces the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in mast cells. IL-33 dose and time-dependently stimulated IL-6 secretion by P815 mastocytoma cells and primary mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC). This effect was dependent on T1/ST2 binding. In addition, IL-33 also induced IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, and PGD2 production in BMMC. By RNase protection assay, we demonstrated that IL-33 increased IL-6 and IL-1β mRNA expression. These effects of IL-33 appeared to occur independently of mast cell degranulation, The results of this study show for the first time that IL-33, a novel member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory mediators by mast cells in addition to its effect on T helper 2 responses. These findings open new perspectives for the treatment of inflammatory diseases by targeting IL-33.     

The IL-1 receptor accessory protein (AcP) is required for IL-33 signaling and soluble AcP enhances the ability of soluble ST2 to inhibit IL-33

Interleukin (IL)-33 (or IL-1F11) was recently identified as a ligand for the orphan IL-1 receptor family member T1/ST2 (ST2). IL-33 belongs to the IL-1 cytokine family and, upon binding to ST2, induces intracellular signals similar to those utilized by IL-1. The effects of other IL-1 family cytokines are mediated by their binding to a specific receptor and the recruitment of a co-receptor required for elicitation of signaling. The aim of this study was to characterize the co-receptor involved in IL-33 signaling. Immunoprecipitation confirmed that IL-33 specifically binds ST2 and revealed that cellular IL-1 receptor accessory protein (AcP) associates with ST2 in a ligand-dependent manner. Receptor binding measurements demonstrated that the affinity of mouse (m)IL-33 for ST2 is increased by 4-fold in presence of AcP. IL-33 dose-dependently stimulated IL-6 secretion from wild-type (WT) mast cells, while no effect of IL-33 was observed with mast cells derived from AcP-deficient mice. Finally, soluble (s)ST2-Fc and sAcP-Fc acted synergistically to inhibit IL-33 activity. These observations identify AcP as a shared co-receptor within the IL-1 family that is essential for IL-33 signaling and suggest a novel role for sAcP in modulating the activity of IL-33.     

The role of interleukin-33 in pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. New experimental data

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) belongs to the IL-1 cytokine family and plays an important role in modulating immune system by inducing Th2 immune response via the ST2 membrane receptor. Epithelial cells are the major producers of IL-33. However, IL-33 is also secreted by other cells, e.g., bone marrow cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and mast cells. IL-33 targets a broad range of cell types bearing the ST2 surface receptor. Many ST2-positive cells, such as Th2 cells, mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils, are involved in the development of allergic bronchial asthma (BA). This suggests that IL-33 directly participates in BA pathogenesis. Currently, the role of IL-33 in pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders, including BA, has been extensively investigated using clinical samples collected from patients, as well as asthma animal models. In particular, numerous studies on blocking IL-33 and its receptor by monoclonal antibodies in asthma mouse model have been performed over the last several years; IL-33-and ST2-deficient transgenic mice have also been generated. In this review, we summarized and analyzed the data on the role of IL-33 in BA pathogenesis and the prospects for creating new treatments for BA.     

KU812 cells provide a novel in vitro model of the human IL-33/ST2L axis: Functional responses and identification of signaling pathways

Activation of interleukin-1 family receptor ST2L by its ligand interleukin-33 (IL-33) is an important component in inflammatory responses. Peripheral blood basophils, recognized as major effector cells in allergic inflammation that play a role in both innate and adaptive immunity, are activated by IL-33 through ST2L. However, studies are challenging due to the paucity of this cell population, representing less than 1% of peripheral blood leukocytes. We identified a basophil-like chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line, KU812, that constitutively expresses ST2L and demonstrates functional responses to IL-33 stimulation. IL-33 induced production of multiple inflammatory mediators in KU812 cells that were blocked by anti-ST2L and anti-IL-33 antibodies. The interaction of IL-33 and ST2L activated NF-κB, JNK, and p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Studies using pharmacological inhibitors to IKK-2 and MAP kinases revealed that one of the functional responses, IL-33-induced IL-13 production, was regulated through NF-κB, but not JNK or p38 MAPK signaling. The requirement of NF-κB was confirmed by IKK-2 knockdown using shRNA. KU812 represents the first human cell line-based in vitro model of the IL-33/ST2L axis and provides a valuable tool to aid in understanding the mechanism and significance of IL-33 and ST2L interaction and function.     

Soluble ST2 blocks interleukin-33 signaling in allergic airway inflammation

The ST2 gene produces a soluble secreted form and a transmembrane form, referred to as soluble ST2 and ST2L, respectively. A recent study has reported that interleukin (IL)-33 is a specific ligand of ST2L and induces production of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines. Although soluble ST2 is highly produced in sera of asthmatic patients and plays a critical role for production of Th2 cytokines, the function of soluble ST2 in relation to IL-33 signaling remains unclear. Here we show antagonistic effects of soluble ST2 on IL-33 signaling using a murine thymoma EL-4 cells stably expressing ST2L and a murine model of asthma. Soluble ST2 directly bound to IL-33 and suppressed activation of NF-kappaB in EL-4 cells stably expressing ST2L, suggesting that the complex of soluble ST2 and IL-33 fails to bind to ST2L. In a murine model of asthma, pretreatment with soluble ST2 reduced production of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 from IL-33-stimulated splenocytes. These results indicate that soluble ST2 acts as a negative regulator of Th2 cytokine production by the IL-33 signaling. Our study provides a molecular mechanism wherein soluble ST2 modulates the biological activity of IL-33 in allergic airway inflammation.     

IL-33 mediates inflammatory responses in human lung tissue cells

IL-33 is a member of the IL-1 family and mediates its biological effects via the ST2 receptor, which is selectively expressed on Th2 cells and mast cells. Although polymorphic variation in ST2 is strongly associated with asthma, it is currently unclear whether IL-33 acts directly on lung tissue cells at sites of airway remodeling. Therefore, we aimed to identify the IL-33-responsive cells among primary human lung tissue cells. ST2 mRNA was expressed in both endothelial and epithelial cells but not in fibroblasts or smooth muscle cells. Correspondingly, IL-33 promoted IL-8 production by both endothelial and epithelial cells but not by fibroblasts or smooth muscle cells. Transfection of ST2 small interference RNA into both endothelial and epithelial cells significantly reduced the IL-33-dependent upregulation of IL-8, suggesting that IL-33-mediated responses in these cells occur via the ST2 receptor. Importantly, Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4, further enhanced ST2 expression and function in both endothelial and epithelial cells. The IL-33-mediated production of IL-8 by epithelial cells was almost completely suppressed by corticosteroid treatment. In contrast, the effect of corticosteroid treatment on the IL-33-mediated responses of endothelial cells was only partial. IL-33 induced activation of both ERK and p38 MAPK in endothelial cells but only ERK in epithelial cells. p38 MAPK was required for the IL-33-mediated responses of endothelial cells, whereas ERK was required for IL-33-mediated IL-8 production by epithelial cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that IL-33-mediated inflammatory responses of lung tissue cells may be involved in the chronic allergic inflammation of the asthmatic airway.     

Lineage(-)Sca1+c-Kit(-)CD25+ cells are IL-33-responsive type 2 innate cells in the mouse bone marrow

IL-33 promotes type 2 immune responses, both protective and pathogenic. Recently, targets of IL-33, including several newly discovered type 2 innate cells, have been characterized in the periphery. In this study, we report that bone marrow cells from wild-type C57BL/6 mice responded with IL-5 and IL-13 production when cultured with IL-33. IL-33 cultures of bone marrow cells from Rag1 KO and Kit(W-sh/W-sh) mice also responded similarly; hence, eliminating the possible contributions of T, B, and mast cells. Rather, intracellular staining revealed that the IL-5- and IL-13-positive cells display a marker profile consistent with the Lineage(-)Sca-1(+)c-Kit(-)CD25(+) (LSK(-)CD25(+)) cells, a bone marrow cell population of previously unknown function. Freshly isolated LSK(-)CD25(+) cells uniformly express ST2, the IL-33 receptor. In addition, culture of sorted LSK(-)CD25(+) cells showed that they indeed produce IL-5 and IL-13 when cultured with IL-33 plus IL-2 and IL-33 plus IL-7. Furthermore, i.p. injections of IL-33 or IL-25 into mice induced LSK(-)CD25(+) cells to expand, in both size and frequency, and to upregulate ST2 and α(4)β(7) integrin, a mucosal homing marker. Thus, we identify the enigmatic bone marrow LSK(-)CD25(+) cells as IL-33 responsive, both in vitro and in vivo, with attributes similar to other type 2 innate cells described in peripheral tissues.