IL-33 Modulates Cytotoxic NK Cell Subsets in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells contribute to airway inflammation in severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA). IL-33, elevated in SEA, may modulate NK cell function, but its effects are unclear. We analyzed peripheral blood NK cell subsets from five SEA patients and five healthy controls using flow cytometry, assessing CD56/CD16-defined subsets and markers, CD57, NKG2A, CD62L, and ICAM-1, at baseline and after 72 h IL-33 stimulation. SEA patients showed reduced mature cytotoxic NK cells and altered expression of adhesion and regulatory molecules. IL-33 selectively increased ICAM-1 and NKG2A in mature NK cells, while decreasing these markers in immature subsets. These findings indicate that IL-33 differentially regulates NK-cell phenotype and function, highlighting NK cells as dynamic mediators of inflammation in SEA.
Fields of Study & Subjects
IL-33
ST2
and ILC Pathways
Asthma and respiratory diseases
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Life
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 348–348
- Publication date
- 18 February 2026
- Language
- EN