IL-33 associates with type 2 burden and lung function in paediatric asthma, alongside exploratory IL-33-linked lipid
Yingtan Yu1,2, Wanying Liu1,2, Xinxu Li1,2
1Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
BMC Pediatrics
|May 1, 2026
Summary
Elevated Interleukin-33 (IL-33) in children with asthma correlates with poorer lung function and increased type 2 inflammation. Higher IL-33 also shows links to distinct plasma lipid profiles, suggesting potential biomarkers for childhood asthma.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a key mediator in type 2 (T2) inflammation.
- Its role and systemic molecular context in pediatric asthma are not fully understood.
- This study investigates IL-33's association with asthma severity and lipid profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if circulating IL-33 levels correlate with objective measures of disease burden in children with asthma.
- To explore the relationship between elevated IL-33 and differences in plasma lipid profiles.
- To assess IL-33's potential as a biomarker for pediatric asthma.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 60 children with asthma and 60 controls.
- Plasma IL-33 levels were measured using ELISA and correlated with spirometry (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF) and T2 markers (blood eosinophils, total IgE, FeNO).
- Untargeted plasma lipidomics was performed on a subset to identify IL-33-associated lipid patterns.
Main Results:
- Children with asthma had significantly higher IL-33 levels compared to controls (P < 0.001).
- IL-33 showed strong inverse correlations with lung function (e.g., FEV1 r = -0.652) and positive correlations with T2 markers (e.g., IgE r = 0.583).
- Elevated IL-33 was associated with distinct plasma lipid profiles, including glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids.
Conclusions:
- Circulating IL-33 is elevated in pediatric asthma and significantly associated with airflow limitation and T2 inflammation.
- These findings suggest IL-33 may serve as a potential biomarker, but require further validation.
- The association between IL-33 and lipid profiles warrants further investigation in longitudinal studies.
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