Journal article

Authors list: Martin, NT; Martin, MU

Publication year: 2016

Pages: 122-131

Journal: Nature Immunology

Volume number: 17

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 1529-2908

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/ni.3370

Publisher: Nature Research

Abstract: 
Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines with a growing number of target cells and a plethora of biological functions. Although it has commonalities with other IL-1 cytokines, IL-33 exhibits some unique features. Here we review the biology of IL-33 and its receptor and develop a working model that describes two 'lives' for IL-33 one intracellular and one extracellular. Under healthy conditions, constitutively produced, intracellular IL-33 participates in maintaining barrier function by regulating gene expression as a nuclear protein. In parallel, nuclear IL-33 functions as a stored alarmin that is released when barriers are breached. Extracellular IL-33 coordinates immune defense and repair mechanisms while also initiating differentiation of helper T cells as the adaptive immune response is triggered.

Harvard Citation style: Martin, N. and Martin, M. (2016) Interleukin 33 is a guardian of barriers and a local alarmin, Nature Immunology, 17(2), pp. 122-131. https://doi.org/10.1038/ni.3370

APA Citation style: Martin, N., & Martin, M. (2016). Interleukin 33 is a guardian of barriers and a local alarmin. Nature Immunology. 17(2), 122-131. https://doi.org/10.1038/ni.3370