Interleukin-33 in Systemic Sclerosis: Expression and Pathogenesis

Interleukin-33 (IL-33), a member of the IL-1 superfamily, functions as a traditional cytokine and nuclear factor. It is proposed to have an “alarmin” role. IL-33 mediates biological effects by interacting with the ST2 receptor and IL-1 receptor accessory protein, particularly in innate immune cells and T helper 2 cells. Recent articles have described IL-33 as an emerging pro-fibrotic cytokine in the immune system as well as a novel potential target for systemic sclerosis. Here, we review the available information and focus on the pleiotropic expression and pathogenesis of IL-33 in systemic sclerosis, as well as the feasibility of using IL-33 in clinical applications.