Acute and prolonged effects of interleukin-33 on cytokines in human cord blood-derived mast cells

Mast cells are multifaceted cells localized in tissues and possess various surface receptors that allow them to respond to inner and external threat signals. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a cytokine released by structural cells in response to parasitic infections, mechanical damage, and cell death. IL-33 can activate mast cells, causing them to release an array of mediators. This study aimed to identify the different cytokines released by human cord blood-derived mast cells (hCBMCs) in response to acute and prolonged stimulation with IL-33. For this purpose, a hCBMC model was established and stimulated with 10 ng and 20 ng of recombinant human IL-33 (rhIL-33) for 6 h and 24 h. Total RNA was hybridized using a high-density oligonucleotide microarray. A multiplex assay was performed to assess the released cytokines. Acute exposure to rhIL-33 increased the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-13, whereas prolonged exposure increased the expression of IL-5 and IL-10, and cytokines were detected in the culture supernatant. WebGestalt analysis revealed that rhIL-33 induces pathways and biological processes related to the immune system and the acute inflammatory response. This study demonstrates that rhIL-33 can activate hCBMCs to release pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, eliciting distinct acute and prolonged responses unique to hCBMCs.