Substance P and IL-33 administered together stimulate a marked secretion of IL-1β from human mast cells, inhibited by methoxyluteolin

Abstract

Significance Mast cells are mandatory for allergic reactions and participate in inflammatory responses in which the peptide substance P (SP) and the cytokine IL-33 are involved. This report shows that SP administered together with IL-33 to cultured human mast cells causes a marked increase in the secretion and gene expression of IL-1β. These responses are mediated via the activation of the SP receptor NK-1 and the IL-33 receptor ST2 and can be inhibited by the natural flavonoid methoxyluteolin. These findings highlight the important role of SP and IL-33 in mast cell secretion of IL-1β and point to targets for the development of therapies for inflammatory diseases.