Abstract: IL-33 is a nuclear cytokine of the IL-1 family, which acts on a variety of cells through combination its receptors, such as mast cells, innate lymphocytes type 2, basophils, etc. . It is one of the important cytokines in the development and maintenance of type 2 immune responses. Recent studies have shown that IL-33 is involved in pruritic signaling through activating the peripheral nervous system. This paper focuses on the signal transduction mechanism after the activation of interleukin 33 receptor, and elaborates the neuroimmune mechanism of IL-33 involved in pruritus in type 2 inflammatory skin diseases. We also review the advances of drug research targeting IL-33.

Key words: interleukin-33, pruritus, type 2 inflammation, neuroimmunity