Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a potent immunomodulatory cytokine that belongs to the IL-1 family. It is highly expressed in endothelial venules, endothelial cells and epithelium. The gene encoding this protein is localized on human chromosome 9p24.1.
Interleukin 33 (IL-33) functions as an extracellular cytokine and also translocates to the nucleus where it inhibits gene expression. IL-33 enhances the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and is associated with T-helper 2-type immune responses. It has been linked to chronic inflammatory diseases. High levels of IL-33 have been observed in the serum of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancer. Polymorphisms in this gene as well as its receptor are linked with atopic dermatitis, allergies and asthma.
