Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a cytokine belonging to the IL-1 family, which plays a crucial role in the immune system by acting as an alarm signal (alarmin) released upon cellular damage or stress. It is encoded by the IL-33 gene located on chromosome 9 in humans and chromosome 19 in mice . IL-33 is primarily expressed in the nuclei of endothelial and epithelial cells and is involved in various biological processes, including inflammation, immune response, and tissue homeostasis .
IL-33 exerts its effects by binding to the ST2 receptor (suppression of tumorigenicity 2), which is expressed on various immune cells such as T-helper 2 (Th2) cells, mast cells, eosinophils, and innate lymphoid cells . The IL-33/ST2 axis is pivotal in mediating immune responses, particularly in allergic and inflammatory diseases. IL-33 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) .
Mouse anti-human IL-33 antibodies are monoclonal antibodies developed to specifically target and neutralize human IL-33. These antibodies are produced in hybridomas and purified through affinity chromatography . They are widely used in research and clinical settings to study the role of IL-33 in various diseases and to develop potential therapeutic interventions.