Involvement of Il-33 in the Pathogenesis and Prognosis of Major Respiratory Viral Infections: Future Perspectives for Personalized Therapy

Interleukin (IL)-33 is a key cytokine involved in type-2 immunity and allergic airway disease. At the level of lung epithelial cells, where it is clearly expressed, IL-33 plays an important role in both innate and adaptive immune responses in mucosal organs. It has been widely demonstrated that in the course of respiratory virus infections, the release of IL-33 increases, with consequent pro-inflammatory effects and consequent exacerbation of the clinical symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases. In our work, we analyzed the pathogenetic and prognostic involvement of IL-33 during the main respiratory viral infections, with particular interest in the recent SARS-CoV-2virus pandemic and the aim of determining a possible connection point on which to act with a targeted therapy that is able to improve the clinical outcome of patients.

Automated summary

IL-33 is an important cytokine involved in type-2 immunity and allergic airway disease. It plays a significant role in both innate and adaptive immune responses in mucosal organs, particularly in lung epithelial cells. Increased release of IL-33 during respiratory virus infections contributes to pro-inflammatory effects and exacerbates symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases. Understanding the pathogenic and prognostic involvement of IL-33 in respiratory viral infections, including the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, is crucial for developing targeted therapies to improve clinical outcomes.