IL-33/ST2 axis promotes remodeling of the extracellular matrix and drives protective microglial responses in the mouse model of perioperative neurocognitive disorders

•Anesthesia and surgery induce cognitive impairments via unclear mechanisms.•Microglia activity mediated by IL-33/ST2 plays a crucial role in perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND).•IL-33 attenuated neuroinflammation and shifted the polarization of microglia in the hippocampus after anesthesia and surgery.•IL-33 rescued the increase of aggrecan, loss of dendritic spines, and impairment of LTP, improving cognitive performance.