Targeting IL-33/ST2 signaling: regulation of immune function and analgesia

IL-33 signals through ST2 receptor and promotes inflammation by activating downstream pathways culminating in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in an NF-κB-dependent manner. In fact, compelling evidence has demonstrated the importance of IL-33/ST2 in both innate and adaptive immune responses in diseases presenting pain as an important clinical symptom. Areas covered: IL-33 is a pleiotropic cytokine with varied immune functions. Dysregulation of this pathway has been described as a key step in varied immune responses. Further, IL-33 contributes to peripheral and spinal cord nociceptor neuron sensitization in innate and adaptive inflammatory immune responses as well as in neuropathic and cancer pain. In this sense, targeting IL-33/ST2 signaling is a promising therapeutic approach. Expert opinion: The modulation of IL-33/ST2 signaling represents a possible approach in regulating immune functions. In addition to immune function, strategies targeting IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway display a favorable preclinical analgesic profile in both acute and chronic models of pain. Therefore, IL-33-targeting therapies represent a potential target for the development of novel analgesic drugs given that IL-33 activates, for instance, neutrophils, mast cells, macrophages, astrocytes, and microglia that are important cells in the induction and maintenance of chronic pain states.