IL-33 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a role in a range of inflammatory diseases. 

To date, the mechanism underlying its release in cells is not fully understood.

A recent work led by MD/PhD student Inabr Shlomovitz and Dr. Motti Gerlic demonstrate that necroptosis, a form of cell death, triggers the release of IL-33 in its bioactive form. Inhibition of necroptosis in an Aspergillus allergic asthma model results in reduced inflammation, providing in vivo evidence that necroptosis contributes to IL-33-associated inflammatory disease.