IL-33 induces skin inflammation with mast cell and neutrophil activation

Psoriasis is a common chronic autoimmune condition of the skin characterized by hyperplasia of epidermal keratinocytes associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines. IL-33 is a new member of the IL-1 superfamily that signals through the ST2 receptor and was originally defined as an inducer of T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines. Recently, broader immune activatory potential has been defined for IL-33 particularly via mast cell activation and neutrophil migration. Here, we show that ST2(-/-) mice exhibit reduced cutaneous inflammatory responses compared with WT mice in a phorbol ester-induced model of skin inflammation. Furthermore, injections of IL-33 into the ears of mice induce an inflammatory skin lesion. This inflammatory response was partially dependent on mast cells as mast cell-deficient mice (Kit(W-sh/W-sh)) showed delayed responses to IL-33. IL-33 also recruited neutrophils to the ear, an effect mediated in part by increased production of the chemokine KC (CXCL1). Finally, we show that IL-33 expression is up-regulated in the epidermis of clinical psoriatic lesions, compared with healthy skin. These results therefore demonstrate that IL-33 may play a role in psoriasis-like plaque inflammation. IL-33 targeting may provide a new treatment strategy for psoriasis.