IL-33 is a proinflammatory protein that shares structural and functional characteristics with the IL-1 cytokine family. It binds and signals through the IL-1RL1/ST2 receptor activating NF-kappaB and MAP kinases. IL-33 induces production of TH2 cell related cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, and exerts multiple inflammation related bioactivities.