IL-33 attenuates mortality by promoting IFN-γ production in sepsis.

Objective And Design: Sepsis remains a major clinical problem with high morbidity and mortality. Interleukin (IL)-33 is a recently described member of the IL-1 family that is widely expressed and functions as a new inflammatory mediator. IL-33 has been reported to protect sepsis, but the underlying mechanisms are not well-elucidated.

Materials And Methods: We measured the interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production in septic mice after IL-33 treatment.

Results: IL-33 treatment enhanced the IFN-γ level in blood and promoted mice's survival, so the protective effects of IL-33 depend on IFN-γ. The IL-33 treatment also promoted both γδ T cells and NK cells in septic mice.

Conclusion: Our data showed that IL-33 attenuates mortality by promoting IFN-γ production in sepsis.