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The IL-33/ST2 Pathway in Cerebral Malaria
Corine Glineur1, Inès Leleu1, Sylviane Pied1
1Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille-CIIL, Institut Pasteur de Lille, CNRS UMR 9017-Inserm U1019, University Lille, 59019 Lille, France.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 11, 2022
Summary
Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is crucial in brain function and malaria. Elevated IL-33 levels in severe malaria suggest its role in disease severity and potential impact on brain barrier permeability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cytokine Signaling
Background:
- Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is an immunomodulatory cytokine vital for tissue homeostasis and immune responses.
- IL-33 is prevalent in the central nervous system (CNS), regulating immune and neural interactions.
- Cerebral malaria involves CNS complications, with the role of IL-33 and its receptor ST2 not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the role of the IL-33/ST2 pathway in cerebral malaria.
- To highlight the potential involvement of IL-33/ST2 signaling in brain and cerebrospinal barrier integrity during malaria.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating IL-33, ST2, and cerebral malaria.
- Analysis of clinical data on IL-33 serum levels in malaria patients.
Main Results:
- IL-33 serum levels are significantly elevated in children with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria compared to uncomplicated or non-infected children.
- IL-33 levels correlate positively with parasite load and decrease upon parasite clearance.
- The IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway is implicated in modulating brain and cerebrospinal barrier permeability.
Conclusions:
- The IL-33/ST2 pathway is a key player in the pathogenesis and/or recovery from cerebral malaria.
- Increased IL-33 production may be triggered by parasite sequestration or merozoite release, affecting endothelial cells and barrier function.
Keywords:
IL-33PlasmodiumST2astrocytesblood–brain barriercentral nervous systemcerebral malariaendothelialinflammationred blood cellsMore Related Videos
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