IL-33 in T Cell Differentiation, Function, and Immune Homeostasis

• Autores: Michael Paine, Roman M. Marek, Max Löhning
• Localización: Trends in immunology, ISSN 1471-4906, Vol. 37, Nº. 5, 2016, págs. 321-333
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Recent studies have highlighted a role for the alarmin interleukin (IL)-33 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation and function, and have also revealed important distinctions. The IL-33 receptor ST2 is constitutively and abundantly expressed on T-helper-2 (Th2) and GATA-3+ regulatory T cells in a GATA-3- and STAT5-dependent manner. Upon activation, Th1 and cytotoxic T cells express ST2 transiently, driven by T-bet and/or STAT4. We review these findings here, and critically examine evidence indicating that IL-33 enhances the differentiation and functionality of various T cell subsets through positive feedback loops involving lineage-specifying transcription factors. In this context, we discuss how quantitative and qualitative differences in ST2 expression between effector and GATA-3+ regulatory T cells may contribute to immune homeostasis, and outline important areas of future inquiry.